Moscow – Sputnik. During an online speech to members of the so-called ‘Coalition of the Willing’ regarding Ukraine, it was stated: ‘We can attempt to conduct elections, but for elections to be possible, a security element must be present, and America can help with that. If elections are necessary now, there must be a ceasefire, at least throughout the electoral process.’
U.S. President Donald Trump spoke about the necessity of holding elections in Ukraine, noting that Zelensky’s approval rating had dropped to 4%. Following Trump’s statements, Zelensky, whose term ended on May 20, 2024, expressed his readiness to hold elections but requested that America and its European allies ‘ensure security’ for them.
Zelensky has repeatedly stated that legislation does not allow for elections in Ukraine during martial law, which was imposed in February 2022 and renewed every three months. The 2024 Ukrainian presidential elections were canceled based on martial law and general mobilization.
In June 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed initiatives for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine, including the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from new Russian regions, Kyiv abandoning its intention to join NATO, disarmament, denazification, adopting a neutral and non-aligned status, and not possessing nuclear weapons. Furthermore, the regional reality stipulated in the Russian constitution should be recognized, and the rights, freedoms, and interests of Russian-speaking citizens should be guaranteed. Putin also mentioned lifting sanctions imposed on Russia.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Moscow is open to a political and diplomatic resolution of the crisis in Ukraine, provided that this solution addresses the root causes of the crisis and ends the conflict. According to him, for a settlement to be achieved, the West must stop supplying weapons, and Kyiv must cease military operations.
