Zelensky Announces Conditions for Running for a Second Term

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that he is ready to hold elections if security conditions are ensured, emphasizing that he would participate in the elections if they are conducted during a ceasefire.

“Help us with the security of the elections, ensure a ceasefire for now. What would Trump say to that? Well, for now, the Americans cannot agree on a ceasefire with the Russians,” Zelensky said in an interview with the Association of Public Broadcasters of Germany (ARD).

He also mentioned that “this is completely unfair to the Ukrainian people. After all, it is their choice who should be president.” He added, “Therefore, I believe that Americans or Russians should not worry at all about when elections should take place in Ukraine and what kind of elections they should be. After all, these are elections in Ukraine, and we are talking about the Ukrainian people. If the Ukrainian people reach out to the Americans for help with holding elections, that’s one thing. But if the issue of elections is raised first by the Russians and then by the Americans, that is frankly very strange. Nevertheless, I am ready for that, and we will do everything to hold the elections,” the president explained.

Zelensky emphasized that “the parliament does not want it, the people do not want it, but if they give us a two-month ceasefire, we will begin.”

When asked if he would run for re-election, the leader responded that he does not know, but noted that it depends on when that would take place. “If it’s a wartime situation, that’s one situation. In that case, yes. But if there is peace, I don’t know. It’s neither a yes nor a no,” Zelensky added.

He highlighted that he has committed to one presidential term and is still within that framework and that this term will not be extended of his own volition.