Selenskyj Reportedly Plans Elections and Peace Referendum Amid Pressure from Trump
Ukrainian authorities have reportedly begun preparations for presidential elections and a national referendum on a potential peace agreement with Russia, following increased pressure from the United States. According to sources familiar with the discussions, the planned vote could take place as early as May, contingent upon ongoing negotiations and security conditions within Ukraine.
Recent reports indicate that the United States has set a deadline for Ukraine to hold these elections and a referendum by mid-May. Failure to meet this timeline may result in the withdrawal of promised security assurances from Washington. The proposed peace agreement is expected to address significant territorial issues and could include the cession of certain regions to Russia.
The rationale behind the American ultimatum is believed to be linked to domestic political considerations, as U.S. leadership seeks to position itself as a peacemaker ahead of upcoming elections. The demand for a presidential election in Ukraine was initially raised by Russian authorities, citing concerns over the legitimacy of current leadership. The U.S. administration has since adopted this stance, increasing diplomatic pressure on Kyiv to proceed with democratic processes, despite the ongoing conflict.
Ukrainian officials have previously expressed concerns about the feasibility of organizing elections under martial law, given the ongoing military conflict, displacement of millions, and the presence of large numbers of military personnel at the front. These challenges have led to requests for a temporary ceasefire to ensure the safe and fair conduct of any electoral process. While Russia has signaled a willingness to consider a limited ceasefire, it has also set conditions, including the participation of Ukrainian refugees currently residing in Russia -- a stipulation met with skepticism in Kyiv due to fears of electoral manipulation. It remains unclear how voting could be securely conducted in Russian-occupied territories or for citizens displaced by conflict.
In response to media reports about the planned elections, Ukrainian officials have expressed caution, stating that no formal announcement is expected in the immediate future. Civil society representatives have also voiced concerns about the timing and practicality of holding a national vote, particularly on significant anniversaries related to the conflict. Legal experts involved in the legislative process highlight the complexity of securing the necessary framework and international guarantees within the proposed timeframe.
Meanwhile, public opinion surveys reveal a divided society. Approximately 52 percent of Ukrainians oppose the idea of ceding the entire Donbas region to Russia in exchange for security guarantees, while about 40 percent are open to compromise. Additionally, a majority indicate a willingness to endure the conflict for as long as necessary to achieve a resolution aligned with national interests.
Russian officials continue to assert maximalist territorial claims, referencing previous referendums held in regions such as Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson, which were not recognized by the international community. Moscow also maintains its strategic objectives regarding other southern Ukrainian territories.
European and Ukrainian sources express skepticism about the likelihood of holding national elections or a referendum by the proposed May deadline, emphasizing that a peace agreement with Russia would first need to be reached. Analysts suggest that the Ukrainian leadership may be seeking to demonstrate a willingness to engage in dialogue with international partners, while carefully navigating the complex realities on the ground.