Zelenskyy: US doesn’t link security guarantees to Ukraine elections

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday said the United States is not conditioning security guarantees on Ukraine’s elections, responding to questions from journalists about recent reports on potential election and referendum plans.

“Some Western partners have called for elections during the war in Ukraine. The conditions for holding them exist,” Zelenskyy said, adding that he has repeatedly stated Ukraine will hold elections only when all necessary security guarantees are in place.

He noted that discussions of elections are being raised by external partners, not by Ukraine itself, but that the country is prepared for such a process.

“It is simple - a ceasefire agreement and then the elections. This is a matter of security,” the President said.

Zelenskyy also addressed recent speculation about the February 24 date, saying this was the second time he had heard reports suggesting plans for elections or a referendum. He reiterated that the US does not link Ukraine’s security guarantees to the timing or conditions of elections.