Zelenskyy responds sharply to election rumors
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (Getty Images)
February 24 is a special date for Ukraine. Announcing elections on the anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion would be a foolish idea, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy while answering journalists’ questions.
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"February 24 is a special date. Even if there were intentions or concrete steps toward holding elections, I believe it would be an absolutely foolish idea to choose such a date to talk about politics," Zelenskyy said.
He stressed that over four years of full-scale war, a large number of Ukrainian soldiers have given their lives defending the country.
"I could never do what you’re asking about. Therefore, no elections can be announced on February 24," the President added.
According to Zelenskyy, when it comes to elections, security must come first, and only then politics.
Election rumors
Earlier today, February 11, the Financial Times reported that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy could announce the date of elections and a referendum on a US-backed peace plan on February 24 — the anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
According to journalists, the United States is allegedly insisting that both the elections and the referendum in Ukraine be held by May 15.
At the same time, an RBC-Ukraine source close to the President said that security conditions must be in place before any election date can be announced.
Zelenskyy previously stated that a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia would be necessary to hold elections.
