Zelenskyy orders election planning after full ceasefire, eyes July 2025 - The Economist

Government sources revealed that last week, Zelenskyy convened a meeting to instruct his team to organize elections following a complete ceasefire. A Bloomberg publication also mentions that the US believes a ceasefire could be reached in Ukraine by Easter, April 20.

The Economist writes that the first confirmation of the elections could come on the eve of, or directly on, May 5, the final deadline for parliament to vote on extending martial law, which expires on May 8. The cancellation of this provision is the first necessary step for the election process to begin.

Opinions among sources vary regarding the exact timing, but most say that Zelenskyy is reportedly aiming for elections this summer. This is because the law requires at least 60 days for campaigning, meaning the earliest possible date for the elections would be early July.

However, some sources state that the campaign will need to last three months. This is the amount of time election bodies will need to update voter rolls, as reported to parliament.

The Economist also cited a source explaining why there is reportedly a plan for elections in July. According to a senior government official, Zelenskyy is attempting to catch his opponents off guard, as the short timeframe would allow him to run unopposed. The source added that this turn of events would benefit not only the president.

"A long campaign would tear the country apart," one of the sources said.

Elections in Ukraine

On the night of March 27-28, Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed the introduction of an "interim government in Ukraine under the auspices of the UN" to hold elections. He stated that Russia currently does not know with whom it could sign any agreements in Ukraine "because tomorrow other leaders will come." He also added that after the elections, "legitimate documents will be recognized worldwide."

Soon after, the US reacted. Reuters, citing a White House National Security Council representative, reported that, according to him, Ukraine's system of governance is defined by its constitution and the will of its people. Therefore, Putin's proposal was rejected.

There was also a response in Europe. Specifically, European Commission spokesperson Paula Pinho stated that Ukraine should decide when to hold elections. She emphasized that Zelenskyy was legitimately and democratically elected.

Zelenskyy himself also responded to Putin's statement. He said:

"Officially, the White House has already responded to this, dismissing it even as an idea, stating that we have a legitimate government and I am the constitutionally elected president, chosen by our people according to our constitution," he stressed.