Zelensky Rejects Plans for February Elections and Referendum Amid Ongoing Conflict

Kathmandu. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected plans to announce a presidential election and a referendum on a peace agreement on February 24.

Zelensky told reporters, "Ukraine will hold elections only after ensuring the security of its country and achieving a ceasefire with Russia."

Regarding potential talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Zelensky said, "Ukraine is open to negotiations in locations suggested by the US side (anywhere except Russia and Belarus), that is, in the United States, Europe, or neutral countries."

Zelensky added, "The US side has not been able to guarantee security to pressure Ukraine on the election timeline."

President Zelensky's comments follow a report by the Financial Times. He reportedly wanted to announce plans for elections and a referendum in February 2024, four years after the start of the Ukraine-Russia conflict.

The report also stated that the Trump administration pressured Ukraine to hold a referendum by May 15 and warned that failure to do so could jeopardize proposed US security guarantees.