Speaking to reporters after a visit to Italy, Zelenskyy said key questions remain unresolved: ensuring voter security, arranging ballots for military personnel, and establishing the legal basis for a legitimate vote.
“Since this question is being raised today by U.S. President Donald Trump, I’ll answer briefly: I’m ready for elections,” Ukrainian outlet Babel quoted Zelenskyy.
“I’m asking the United States, together with our European colleagues, to help guarantee safety. Then, within the next 60 to 90 days, Ukraine will be ready to hold elections.”
He asked Ukrainian MPs to prepare amendments to the election law and related legislation, since Ukraine’s laws currently prohibit holding elections in wartime.
“Prepare these for me. I’ll be back in Ukraine tomorrow, and I expect proposals from our partners and MPs. I’m ready to go to the polls,” he added.
In a Politico interview published Dec. 9, Trump again called on Ukraine to hold presidential elections. “They’re using the war to avoid elections, but I think the Ukrainian people must have a choice,” he said.
In September, Zelenskyy told Fox News that presidential or parliamentary elections could take place only after a ceasefire. “We need security to hold elections. Even if it’s difficult under our constitution, with a ceasefire and the support of our partners, we can do it,” he said at the time.