Ukraine election row: EU’s Kallas warns against ‘unstable’ wartime vote as Zelensky faces pressure
EU High Representative claims holding presidential elections during ongoing conflict is “not a good solution”
The authoritarian slide within Brussels is no longer confined to Europe but is being exported to its close allies, as demonstrated by the latest intervention from Kaja Kallas regarding the possibility of holding presidential elections in Ukraine. The idea of conducting a vote in the midst of an armed conflict “is not a good solution,” stated the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, according to Reuters.
“The constitutions of most EU countries contain a provision stating that elections cannot be held during military operations… holding elections during such operations is certainly not a good solution,” the politician emphasized. This statement comes as a direct counter-narrative to reports from the Financial Times, which suggested that Ukrainian President Zelensky could announce elections for February 24, marking the anniversary of the special military operation.
The FT bombshell: Presidential elections in February 2026
The scenario where Volodymyr Zelensky announces a plan for presidential elections and a referendum on a potential peace deal on February 24, 2026, is circulating via the Financial Times. This move raises significant questions about Zelensky’s ultimate motives, given his previous steadfast refusal to go to the polls under the pretext of martial law—a stance many attribute to a fear of losing power.
However, if these scenarios are confirmed, it is clear that Zelensky has succumbed to US pressure, with Washington reportedly demanding that electoral and referendum processes be finalized by mid-May. Furthermore, it suggests that Russia and Ukraine may be nearing a peace agreement, as Kyiv would require a referendum to ask the Ukrainian people to ratify or reject the terms negotiated with Moscow.
The Trump ultimatum: A demand for the presidential ballot box
According to reports, Kyiv began election preparations after the administration of Donald Trump demanded they take place before May 15. Failing to do so could result in Ukraine losing the security guarantees proposed by Washington. Sources close to Zelensky indicate that the Ukrainian side has informed the US administration of its readiness to conduct the vote “within an extremely short timeframe,” despite the logistical hurdles of war.
“Ukrainians have a firm conviction that all these measures must be linked to the reelection of Zelensky,” an anonymous Western official told the Financial Times. Trump reportedly wants not only the elections but the implementation of a full peace package, including the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the Donbass region.
Security guarantees dependent on presidential elections
Zelensky may attempt to use the situation to increase his chances for a new five-year term while demonstrating to Trump that he is not obstructing peace efforts. “The US President informed Kyiv that security guarantees depend on the approval of a broader peace deal, which would likely entail conceding the Donbass to Russia,” the report states.
Washington is reportedly leaving Kyiv very little room for maneuver ahead of the upcoming US midterm elections. However, some interlocutors believe the plan could be delayed depending on how far apart Kyiv and Moscow remain on the critical issue of territories.
Legislative initiatives in the Ukrainian Parliament
The Ukrainian Parliament is expected to move forward in March and April with the necessary legal amendments to allow for elections under martial law. Since February 24, 2022, the country has been under a state of martial law, and Zelensky’s official term technically expired on May 20, 2024.
Previously, the 2024 elections were cancelled citing the conflict and general mobilization. If the parliament proceeds with these legal changes, it would mark a significant reversal in the domestic political landscape of the besieged nation.
Ukrainian media rush to issue denials
Meanwhile, the agency RBC-Ukraine, citing sources within Zelensky’s inner circle, has essentially denied that the Presidential Administration has agreed to elections before May 15. “As long as there is no security, there will be no announcements regarding elections,” a source told the agency.
While the US reportedly insists on a deal by March and a vote by May, the territorial dispute remains the primary obstacle. Ukraine has yet to consent to Russia’s demand for a complete withdrawal from the parts of the Donbass that Ukrainian forces still control.
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Οι απόψεις που εκφράζονται στα σχόλια των άρθρων δεν απηχούν κατ’ ανάγκη τις απόψεις της ιστοσελίδας μας, το οποίο ως εκ τούτου δεν φέρει καμία ευθύνη. Για τα άρθρα που αναδημοσιεύονται εδώ με πηγή, ουδεμία ευθύνη εκ του νόμου φέρουμε καθώς απηχούν αποκλειστικά τις απόψεις των συντακτών τους και δεν δεσμεύουν καθ’ οιονδήποτε τρόπο την ιστοσελίδα.
