Two months ago, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy seemed opposed to holding a vote, but shifting dynamics, including rising approval due to U.S. President Donald Trump’s actions, may have changed his mind, The Economist reports.
Ukrainian officials are now preparing for elections, possibly as soon as summer, after a ceasefire, which the U.S. suggests could be in place by late April.
While sources are divided on the timing, some speculate elections could be held by early July, with the campaign lasting at least three months.
Former President Petro Poroshenko, predicting elections between August and October, believes the campaign began when Zelenskyy sanctioned him in February.
A senior government official counters that Poroshenko poses little threat and that the sanctions only heightened Zelenskyy’s opposition.
Zelenskyy may aim for a surprise July election to limit rivals' campaign time, while opposition leaders argue significant obstacles remain.
Ukrainian intelligence warns that internal instability could pose a greater risk than frontline battles in 2025, with the election campaign offering Russia opportunities for influence.