Zelensky Denies Reports He Will Announce Ukraine Election on Feb. 24
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has denied reports that he plans to announce presidential elections or a national referendum on February 24, 2026 — the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
8 hours ago
The clarification comes after media speculation suggested he could use the symbolic date to outline a political roadmap that might include a spring election and a public vote on a potential peace agreement.
The rumors were sparked by a report in the Financial Times, which cited unnamed officials claiming Zelensky could unveil plans for elections as early as late February, possibly with voting taking place in the coming months. The report also suggested that discussions with international partners had included conversations about Ukraine’s democratic timeline amid ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Responding to journalists, Zelensky firmly rejected the claims, saying he had no intention of making such an announcement and that he was hearing about the proposed plan for the first time from the media. He stressed that February 24 is a solemn day for Ukrainians — marking four years since the beginning of the full-scale war — and said it would not be appropriate to turn it into a political milestone.
The president reiterated that elections in Ukraine can only be considered once there are reliable security guarantees and an end to active hostilities. Ukraine has been under martial law since 2022, which effectively prevents the organization of national elections during wartime. Holding a vote under current conditions, officials argue, would pose serious logistical, legal and security challenges, particularly with millions of citizens displaced and parts of the country still under threat.
Zelensky also dismissed suggestions that international partners are pressuring Kyiv to announce a specific election date. He emphasized that decisions regarding Ukraine’s electoral process will depend on national security conditions rather than external timelines or symbolic anniversaries.
For now, Ukrainian authorities remain focused on the ongoing war effort and diplomatic initiatives aimed at strengthening security guarantees. While future elections have not been ruled out, the president made clear that no announcement is planned for February 24 and that any move toward a vote would require stable and secure conditions across the country.
