Kathrine Frich
Kyiv has responded by drawing a clear line.
As debate grows over when Ukraine could hold elections during wartime, Moscow has moved to shape the narrative.
Russia’s leadership has linked the idea of a pause in fighting to conditions that would give the Kremlin a role in the process.
Conditional offer
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia could consider suspending deep air strikes during a Ukrainian presidential election, but only under specific conditions.
Speaking at his annual press conference on Friday, Putin argued that polling stations would have to be established on Russian territory.
He claimed that millions of Ukrainian citizens live in Russia and should be allowed to vote there.
“Millions of Ukrainian citizens, between five and ten million, depending on estimates, live within the Russian Federation, having the right to vote,” Putin said.
“If elections are held, we have the right to demand that those organizing them grant Ukrainians living in Russia the right to vote in the Russian Federation,” he added.
Zelensky pushes back
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected the idea that Moscow should have any say in Ukraine’s electoral process.
Speaking on Saturday, he said the decision rests solely with Ukraine.
“It is not up to (Vladimir) Putin to decide when and in what format the elections will take place in Ukraine,” Zelensky said, according to Agerpres.
He also ruled out holding elections in territories currently occupied by Russian forces.
Kyiv has repeatedly said that Russia’s ongoing attacks make nationwide voting impossible under current conditions.
Security and legality
Zelensky reiterated that elections could only be held if two requirements are met: the physical security of voters and soldiers amid missile and drone strikes, and a legal framework that guarantees legitimacy while martial law remains in force.
Ukraine’s constitution explicitly bans national elections during martial law.
Zelensky has said changes would require parliamentary action and international support, particularly on security.
Earlier this week, he said Ukraine could prepare elections within 60 to 90 days if partners helped ensure safety.
Talks in motion
Zelensky also said the United States had proposed a new negotiation format involving Ukraine, the U.S. and Russia, potentially with European participation.
The suggested venue for such talks is Miami.
“It would make sense to have such a joint meeting once we see the potential results of the meetings that have already taken place,” Zelensky said.
The proposal comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at outlining a broader peace framework.
Public mood
A recent poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology suggests most Ukrainians oppose holding elections during active hostilities.
According to the survey, 57% believe elections should only take place after the war ends and a peace agreement is signed.
Only 9% support elections before a ceasefire, while 25% favor elections only after fighting stops and Ukraine receives firm security guarantees.
KIIS Executive Director Anton Hrushetsky said society views calls for elections during the war with suspicion.
“Calls for elections in Ukraine are perceived critically by society and considered attempts to weaken the country,” he said.
Sources: HotNews.ro, Agerpres, Kyiv International Institute of Sociology
