Zelensky is ready for wartime presidential elections if conditions met
Speaking with journalists during travel from Rome to Poland, Zelenskyy noted that Washington wants Ukraine to have firm security assurances “so that we can feel it, so that we have weapons … air defense systems … and sanctions if anything happens,” though he acknowledged that many of the details remain unresolved.
He pointed out that several NATO countries are still cautious about Ukraine joining the alliance.
“We are realists. We truly want to join NATO—that’s fair. But we know for sure that neither the US nor several other countries see Ukraine in the alliance yet. And Russia, of course, will never see us there,” he said.
Zelenskyy stressed that decisions about whether and when to hold elections rest entirely with Ukrainians. He added that the topic had not come up in recent discussions with American officials, despite public comments from US President Donald Trump. Trump earlier said it was “time” for Ukraine to hold elections, asserting that Kyiv was “using war not to hold an election” and warning that delaying a vote for too long could jeopardize the country’s democratic legitimacy.
Rejecting accusations of political avoidance, Zelenskyy insisted that the ongoing conflict “is unrelated to who holds office.” He explained that he has already asked members of parliament to begin drafting legal changes that would make voting possible under wartime conditions. He again urged Western partners to assist in creating the level of protection necessary while Russia continues to carry out attacks.
He emphasized that a credible election would require safeguarding polling places, adapting legislation to ensure validity, and putting in place systems that allow soldiers on the front lines to cast ballots. Zelenskyy added that he would take part in the race, stating: “I have the will and readiness for this.”
Addressing broader security matters, Zelenskyy confirmed that Kyiv will deliver its completed peace plan to Washington on Wednesday. He also noted that Ukraine is already deploying long-range strike systems such as Neptunes, Palyanytsia, Flamingo and Sapsan missiles.
Regarding Crimea, Zelenskyy acknowledged that Ukraine currently lacks the military capacity to retake the peninsula. Responding to Trump’s remarks, he said: “Maybe I said this at our first meeting, and I think I was right. Yes, we don’t have the strength to do all this today. We don’t have sufficient support for all this.”
He added that if Moscow is prepared to discuss an “energy truce,” Kyiv is willing to consider the idea, calling energy reliability “important for the people.”
Zelenskyy also highlighted that elements of the peace plan involving Europe — including issues related to frozen Russian assets and Ukraine’s EU accession path — “must be accepted by Europe.”
Once adequate assistance and protective measures are in place, he said, Ukraine could realistically hold elections within two to three months.
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