"Safety first, then ballots": Zelenskyy rejects holding elections until a ceasefire is achieved

"Safety first, then ballots": Zelenskyy rejects holding elections until a ceasefire is achieved

Zelenskyy emphasized that elections will not take place until the cessation of hostilities.

«I first learned about the proposal to announce an election plan on February 24. Ukraine will be able to hold elections only after receiving security guarantees and a complete ceasefire», – he noted.

In addition, Zelenskyy clarified that the USA is not issuing an ultimatum to Ukraine regarding the refusal of security guarantees in the absence of elections.

Zelenskyy also stated that a ceasefire is necessary for holding a referendum on a peace agreement.

According to him, Ukraine is open to any timelines for holding a referendum or elections, but the priority remains ensuring security.

Other statements by Zelenskyy:

– «Russia is not yet ready for an energy truce: in response, new drone and missile attacks have occurred»;

– «The USA proposed to hold another round of peace talks next week in Miami. Ukraine immediately agreed, while Russia is still hesitating – a meeting is being considered either in the USA or again in the Middle East».