Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said tonight that Ukraine will hold elections only after a ceasefire and security guarantees are achieved.
Zelensky was reacting to reports that Kiev is considering holding presidential elections and a referendum in the near future.
"We will hold the elections only when all necessary security guarantees are in place," the Ukrainian president said during an online press conference, adding that a ceasefire should be ensured first, and only then the elections.
Zelensky was reacting to a report by the British newspaper Financial Times that Ukraine, under pressure from the United States (US), is considering holding presidential elections and a referendum on a potential peace agreement with Russia before mid-May.
Zelensky denied that Washington threatened to withhold security guarantees if Ukraine did not hold elections, adding that the US does not link security guarantees to elections.
The British newspaper reported today that the administration of US President Donald Trump is pressuring Zelensky to hold elections by May 15th, or risk not receiving security guarantees.
"Zelensky plans to announce a plan to organize presidential elections and a referendum on February 24, the anniversary of the start of the Russian invasion," the Financial Times reported, citing Ukrainian and European officials.
Bonus video:
