Zelensky on Elections: I Have No Intention to Cling to the Chair.

According to ТСН: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky stated that he has no intention of remaining in the presidential position. He mentioned this in an interview for PAP.

"My reaction to signals from the United States was very open: I said that I have no intention under any circumstances to cling to the presidential chair. Of course, if the possibility of conducting proper, dignified, and democratic elections is ensured," emphasized the head of state.

Zelensky also noted that organizing voting in wartime requires legislative changes. Ensuring the safety of Ukrainians during elections is extremely important, so that there are no casualties among the population when they come to polling stations.

"On the other hand, if you ask Ukrainian citizens whether they want these elections and if they are ready for them, then (...) undoubtedly, everyone is afraid of holding elections in wartime, undoubtedly, no one can imagine how this can be done safely and fairly," added the president.

At the beginning of December, U.S. President Donald Trump emphasized the necessity to hold presidential elections in Ukraine, stating that Kyiv is "using the war not to conduct elections."

Volodymyr Zelensky, commenting on the position of his American colleague, expressed readiness for elections and asked the U.S. to help organize them within "60–90 days." The president emphasized that for the elections to be held, a ceasefire must be achieved and a relevant draft law prepared. He also supports the idea of voting through "DiiA."

At the same time, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed readiness to "consider" the possibility of refraining from strikes on Ukrainian territory during the elections but added that he would not allow them to be used "exclusively to stop the advance of Russian troops."

All these comments highlight the complexity of organizing elections in Ukraine during wartime. Ensuring voter safety and providing a fair process are top priorities for the president. The position of foreign partners, including the U.S., may significantly influence decisions regarding the conduct of elections. However, despite the president's readiness and international support, the challenges on the path to voting remain serious.