Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told Axios that he does not intend to lead the country in peacetime.
He pledged to ask the Verkhovna Rada to organize elections if a ceasefire is achieved.
“My goal is to end the war, not to keep running for office,” Zelenskyy said, responding to whether he would consider his work done when the war ends.
He noted that security conditions and the Ukrainian Constitution pose challenges for holding elections but believes it is possible. Zelenskyy said he informed U.S. President Donald Trump during their Tuesday meeting that if a ceasefire occurs, “we can use this period of time, and I can give this signal to parliament.”
He added that people may want “a leader with a new mandate” to make critical decisions for lasting peace. While security issues complicate election logistics, he believes the vote could be feasible.
The Ukrainian Constitution explicitly prohibits elections under martial law. Even if that were resolved, security conditions—20% of the country occupied by Russia and millions of internally displaced people—make organizing elections extremely difficult.
“During a ceasefire, I think security could make it possible to hold elections. It could be like that,” Zelenskyy said.
