Zelenskyy open to elections during ceasefire, says Russia seeks to replace him
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said he is ready to initiate presidential elections if at least a two-month ceasefire is established. At the same time, he is convinced that Russia seeks to replace him.
Zelenskyy made the remarks in an interview with British journalist Piers Morgan.
“I think our partners should answer one question: what do they want? Do they want elections, or do they simply want to replace me? Because, as I see it, the Russians just want to replace me. And then they use what you mentioned earlier — physical elimination or other steps,” the president said.
According to Zelenskyy, he would never reject proposals from the United States if they could bring Ukraine closer to peace. Therefore, even in the event of a short-term, two-month ceasefire, he is ready to discuss with parliament the possibility of holding elections, despite the fact that lawmakers currently do not support the idea.
“Even the people do not support holding elections during the war. Because even if you have a two-month ceasefire, it does not mean the war is over. But even in such a case — if the ceasefire lasts only two months — perhaps it would be possible to sign certain documents or hold a referendum, and the people would accept peace. I will do everything possible; I will speak with parliament. They will change the law, I hope,” he said.
The president also noted that during contacts with the American side, Russian representatives claim that elections in Ukraine could be organized within one or two weeks. However, according to Zelenskyy, Moscow forgets “that we are not Russia.”
He stressed that the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine includes various political forces which, even during wartime, hold differing positions on draft laws and key state issues. Therefore, it is impossible to simply “press” or “break” the parliament — dialogue and clear legal grounds are required to make decisions about elections under martial law.
Summing up, Zelenskyy said he had appealed to the United States to stop Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin for several months to allow the organization of the electoral process. If such a ceasefire is achieved, he said, he would agree to hold elections.
The issue of possible elections in Ukraine during wartime remains one of the most debated topics both domestically and internationally.
President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola criticized Russia’s plans regarding elections in Ukraine, calling them cynical.
Recently, the Central Election Commission of Ukraine officially stated that it is impossible to organize elections or nationwide referendums while martial law remains in effect.
On February 11, 2026, during an online briefing with the media, Zelenskyy категорically denied reports that Washington allegedly links security guarantees to the mandatory announcement of a date for presidential elections.
