Zelenskyy responds to Putin’s demand regarding presidential elections in Ukraine
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (Getty Images)
Ukraine will not allow Russian President Vladimir Putin to control potential presidential elections in the country, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made this statement in an interview with PAP.
Commenting on the annual press conference of the Kremlin leader, the head of state said that there are "many Putins."
"One talks to the Americans, another gives speeches, a third does something else," he clarified.
As Zelenskyy reminded, Putin claimed that it was supposedly important for him that Ukrainians from across the country, including temporarily occupied territories, take part in the elections. In doing so, Putin effectively acknowledged these areas as occupied.
According to the Ukrainian leader, Putin wants to control not only elections in Russia but now has set his sights on elections in Ukraine as well.
"We will not agree to be controlled by anyone," he emphasized.
What Putin said
Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin "promised" to think about whether Russia could "ensure security" in Ukraine during the elections.
In particular, he suggested that Russia might refrain from strikes deep inside Ukrainian territory on election day.
At the same time, the Kremlin leader stated that "millions of Ukrainians" live "on the territory of Russia" (apparently referring to temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine). He demanded that these Ukrainians be granted the right to vote in elections that could take place in the future.
Zelenskyy has previously emphasized that elections in Ukraine can only be held if a ceasefire is declared for the duration of the electoral process and voting. He urged the United States to influence Russia to ensure such conditions.
Elections in Ukraine are still prohibited under the law during martial law. For this to change, the Verkhovna Rada (the parliament) must adopt the relevant initiatives.
