The Kremlin said Wednesday that it has not yet discussed with Washington Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s latest agreement to hold presidential elections under renewed pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump.
Zelensky told reporters Tuesday evening he was prepared to arrange new elections within three months if the U.S. and European allies ensured security. He spoke after Trump accused Kyiv of “using war not to hold an election” in an interview with Politico.
“We haven’t discussed it with anyone yet, the statement is quite recent,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters when asked about Zelensky’s new stance on wartime elections, which are currently prohibited under martial law.
Vladimir Putin’s press secretary underscored that the Russian president has pushed for Ukraine to hold new elections after Zelensky’s presidential term limit formally expired last year.
“It’s something President Trump has mentioned recently, so we’ll see how events unfold,” Peskov said.
He lauded Trump’s broader remarks on Ukraine for aligning with Russia’s views.
“In many ways, on the subject of NATO membership, on the subject of territories, on the subjects of how Ukraine is losing land, it is in tune with our understanding,” Peskov said.
Trump has pressed Ukraine to accept the U.S.-drafted peace proposal, which its allies have criticized as too favorable to Russia.
Kyiv has previously said that new elections would be held after the war ends.
Zelensky said Tuesday that he asked Ukrainian lawmakers to prepare “proposals” on amending the law on elections during martial law.
He said that, for the vote to take place, security had to be assured in the country whose cities come under Russian drone and missile attacks on a daily basis.
“I am now asking, I declare this openly, for the United States of America to help me, possibly together with European colleagues, to ensure security for holding elections,” Zelensky said.
AFP contributed reporting.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
