Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced a 20-point plan coordinated with the United States and discussed with European partners. A central topic is the organization of elections after a possible peace agreement.
In the Ukrainian parliament, a working group has formally been created to draft changes to election legislation. Its goal is to lay the foundation for swift elections once the war ends and a peace deal is signed. There is also discussion about holding a referendum on granting Donetsk region special economic status, alongside other aspects of potential peace agreements.
Political experts highlight that the current Ukrainian Constitution specifically prohibits parliamentary elections during martial law. Interpretations regarding presidential and local elections differ, with some suggesting that a political decision could be made to hold these elections in defiance of constitutional norms if deemed necessary during wartime.
It is particularly noted that Russia has repeatedly insisted on elections in Ukraine as a means to legitimize Ukraine's government. Experts see risks in this approach—including delays to the peace process, destabilization during elections, and the potential for Russia to refuse to recognize the outcome.
Ultimately, the issue of elections remains key to ongoing negotiations. Ukrainian experts emphasize the importance of ensuring that elections are not made a precondition for peace agreements and suggest that multiple national leaders should be involved in signing any final agreements, not only the president.
