Zelenskyy says he is ready to leave office once war is over
Photo: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (president.gov.ua)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he does not intend to lead the country in peacetime, according to his interview with Axios.
“My goal is to finish the war, not to continue to run for office,” Zelenskyy said.
Zelenskyy also promised to ask the Ukrainian parliament to organize elections if a ceasefire is achieved. However, he believes that the current security situation and Ukraine’s Constitution present certain challenges.
Despite this, Zelenskyy believes elections are possible.
According to the Ukrainian President, he understands that people may want “a leader with ... a new mandate” who can make important decisions necessary to achieve long-term peace.
"During the ceasefire, I think security can give the possibility to have elections. It can be so,” Zelenskyy said.
Elections in Ukraine
Under martial law in Ukraine, it is theoretically possible to hold early presidential and parliamentary elections, but organizing voting during a war poses significant risks to political stability.
The main problem is the lack of guarantees for voter safety, as shelling continues across the country.
President Zelenskyy has previously stated that Ukraine is ready for elections, but they can only take place if there is a complete ceasefire on land, in the air, and at sea. Parliament Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk told RBC-Ukraine in an interview that preparations for elections will begin after martial law ends, and these elections will be unique.
Meanwhile, Politico reported that during a meeting with the Servant of the People party, Zelenskyy allegedly stated he was ready to participate in any elections after the war, although sources say the actual topic of discussion was different.
