Zelensky Plans Elections, Peace Vote Under U.S. Pressure

Ukraine has begun internal preparations for holding presidential elections in tandem with a national referendum on a potential peace agreement with Russia, amid mounting pressure from Washington to accelerate negotiations and formalize a deal within months.

U.S. deadline shapes Kyiv’s political calculations

According to Ukrainian and Western officials familiar with the discussions, the Trump administration has urged Ukraine to complete peace negotiations and hold both votes by May 15. Failure to meet the timeline could jeopardize proposed U.S. security guarantees.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Washington wants all agreements signed by June, citing the White House’s desire to refocus on U.S. midterm elections in November. “They want a clear schedule,” he told reporters, adding that the U.S. aim is to bring the war to an end swiftly.

Planned announcement on invasion anniversary

Officials said Zelensky intends to announce the plan on February 24, marking the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The move would represent a sharp reversal for a president who has long argued that elections are impossible under martial law, widespread displacement, and ongoing Russian occupation of roughly 20% of Ukrainian territory.

Zelensky’s office declined to comment, while the U.S. embassy in Kyiv also refrained from public statements.

Re-election strategy amid waning support

Officials said the plan reflects Zelensky’s effort to maximize his re-election prospects while reassuring President Donald Trump that Kyiv is not delaying peace talks. Public support for Zelensky, though still significant, has declined from near-unanimous levels seen early in the war, amid prolonged conflict and corruption scandals involving senior officials.

People close to the president said his team has signaled openness to an accelerated timeline despite the logistical challenges of holding a national vote during wartime.

Security guarantees tied to territorial concessions

Zelensky has said Ukraine and the U.S. have reached an understanding on security guarantees, but Washington has indicated these would depend on concluding a broader peace deal, potentially including territorial concessions in the Donbas region.

Zelensky has resisted such concessions, insisting Ukraine will not retreat from its current positions. Officials cautioned that gaps between Kyiv and Moscow remain wide, particularly over the Donbas and control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

Legal and security obstacles loom large

Under the tentative timeline, Ukraine’s parliament would need to amend laws in March and April to allow voting under martial law, which currently bans national elections. Experts warned that even six months is the minimum time required to prepare credible elections.

Election specialists also warned that without a ceasefire, Russia could disrupt voting through drone attacks and strikes on infrastructure, undermining the legitimacy of the process.

“There has never been a situation like this. It’s completely unprecedented,” said one election governance expert, warning that rushed elections could damage Ukraine’s democratic credibility.

Political divisions and legitimacy concerns

Some Ukrainian politicians oppose holding elections before a durable peace backed by strong security guarantees, warning it could deepen internal divisions. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said political competition during wartime risks destabilizing the country from within.

Supporters of the plan argue that combining elections with a referendum could boost turnout and legitimacy. Officials said at least half of pre-war registered voters would need to participate to ensure international recognition and prevent challenges to the results.

Zelensky has long argued that any peace deal must be approved by voters to secure public legitimacy, a position that now appears central to his evolving political strategy.