The Kremlin stated on Wednesday that it has not yet engaged in discussions with Washington regarding Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s recent agreement to conduct presidential elections under renewed pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump.
Zelensky informed reporters on Tuesday evening that he was willing to organize new elections within three months if security assurances were provided by the U.S. and European allies. This statement followed Trump’s accusation that Kyiv was “using war as an excuse not to hold an election” during an interview with Politico.
“We haven’t had any conversations about it yet; the statement is still quite new,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters when asked about Zelensky’s updated position on elections during wartime, which are prohibited under current martial law.
Peskov emphasized that Russian President Vladimir Putin has advocated for Ukraine to conduct new elections since Zelensky’s presidential term limit officially lapsed last year.
“It’s something that President Trump has brought up recently, and we will observe how things develop,” Peskov remarked.
He expressed approval of Trump’s broader comments on Ukraine, citing their alignment with Russian perspectives.
“In many respects, regarding NATO membership, territorial issues, and the situation where Ukraine is losing land, his views resonate with our understanding,” Peskov noted.
Trump has urged Ukraine to accept the peace proposal drafted by the U.S., which has faced criticism from its allies for being overly accommodating to Russia.
Kyiv has previously indicated that elections would take place after the conclusion of the war.
On Tuesday, Zelensky stated that he requested Ukrainian lawmakers to draft “proposals” for changing the election laws applicable during martial law.
He emphasized that for elections to be conducted, security must be guaranteed in a country that faces daily Russian drone and missile attacks.
“I am now making this request openly; I urge the United States, possibly in conjunction with our European partners, to help ensure the security necessary for holding elections,” Zelensky said.
Reporting from AFP was also included.
