Zelensky: “If elections take place during the war, I will run”

Vladimir Zelensky has said he is ready to take part in a presidential election if it is held during the war.

He made the statement on NBC News’s Meet the Press program.

“If elections in Ukraine take place during the war, of course I will run. It is my responsibility — I must defend my country from the very beginning to the end of this war,” Zelensky said.

According to the president, Ukraine will need at least half a year after the end of the war to prepare for elections. However, if the war does not end and Trump and Putin insist on holding a vote, Zelensky put forward a specific condition.

“Give us at least 60 days of ceasefire, without any other negotiations, just 60 days, and we will do everything possible to change the law and prepare the security infrastructure. But believe me, it looks completely dangerous and incredible, because we need fair elections, we need the military to have the opportunity to vote. If you think I don’t want elections, that’s not true,” the president said.

Zelensky did not specify whether he intends to run for a new term after the end of the war.

On the eve of his election as president, Zelensky promised to serve only one term. He also recently stated that he will not resign and refuses to hold a presidential election.