The Financial Times reported that Zelensky will announce an election plan in Ukraine, but Kyiv denies it

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky intends to announce a plan to hold a presidential election and a referendum on a peace agreement with Russia.

The Financial Times reported this, citing Ukrainian and European officials.

According to the FT, details of the plan will be made public on February 24—the anniversary of the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The newspaper says Kyiv is considering holding the election and the referendum at the same time.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the evening of Wednesday, February 11, denied a report published by the Financial Times claiming that he planned to announce the date of presidential elections and a referendum on peace proposals on February 24, the fourth anniversary of the start of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine.

Last week, Reuters reported, citing several sources, that U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators had discussed the possibility of putting a potential agreement to a nationwide vote that could take place as early as May.

Zelensky has previously emphasized that he is ready to hold elections in Ukraine, but that two issues must first be resolved. The first is security, including ongoing shelling and ensuring Ukrainian soldiers can take part in voting. The second is a legislative framework to ensure the legitimacy of the expression of will.

Ukraine’s next presidential election was originally scheduled for 2024, but its conduct was postponed due to martial law introduced in the country at the start of Russia’s invasion. On this basis, Russian authorities have repeatedly claimed that Zelensky is illegitimate as head of state.

Under martial law, holding elections is restricted by Ukraine’s Constitution and laws.