EditFT: Zelenskyy to announce plans for presidential elections and peace referendum on 24 February
The coming weeks will test whether wartime realities allow for such ambitious political steps, or if security imperatives delay them further
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to reveal plans for presidential elections and a national referendum on any prospective peace deal with Russia on 24 February – the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion – according to a report by the Financial Times.
The announcement would outline preparations for both votes to take place in the spring, potentially as early as May, amid intense U.S. pressure to demonstrate democratic legitimacy and secure post-war guarantees.
Citing Ukrainian and European officials familiar with the planning, the FT indicated that Kyiv has begun concrete preparations for holding the presidential election and referendum on the same day. This move follows demands from the Trump administration, which has reportedly insisted that both processes occur by 15 May or risk Ukraine losing proposed U.S. security guarantees in any negotiated settlement.
The administration’s push reflects a broader emphasis on rapid resolution of the conflict, with Trump officials arguing that fresh elections would strengthen Ukraine’s negotiating position and signal stability to Western partners.
Ukraine’s last presidential election occurred in 2019, when Zelenskyy won a landslide victory. His term was originally set to end in May 2024, but martial law – imposed immediately after the February 24, 2022, invasion – has been extended repeatedly by parliament in 90-day increments, most recently through early February 2026. Ukrainian law prohibits national elections during martial law, citing security risks such as Russian interference, occupied territories, and the displacement of millions of voters. Zelenskyy has previously stated that elections could resume only after the war ends and conditions allow for safe, fair voting.
The proposed referendum would give Ukrainians a direct say on the terms of any peace agreement negotiated under U.S. mediation, addressing concerns that a deal might involve painful concessions like territorial compromises or neutrality guarantees. Holding it concurrently with the presidential vote could boost turnout and legitimacy while tying the political future of the leadership to public endorsement of the peace path. However, logistical hurdles remain significant: war-damaged infrastructure, millions of refugees and internally displaced persons, and the need for secure polling in frontline areas.
This development comes against the backdrop of ongoing U.S.-brokered talks aimed at a ceasefire and broader settlement by mid-2026, with deadlines tied to U.S. domestic politics ahead of midterm elections. Zelenskyy has long maintained that any peace must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and include robust security assurances, while Russia has demanded recognition of annexed territories and limits on Ukraine’s military and alliances.
The plan has sparked debate in Kyiv and abroad. Supporters see it as a pragmatic step toward post-war normalization and renewed Western support, potentially under a re-elected Zelenskyy or successor. Critics worry about rushed timelines, potential Russian meddling, and the challenges of conducting credible votes amid active hostilities. Opposition figures have questioned whether elections could fairly proceed without full demobilization or international monitoring.
With the FT, with additional content by g.g.
Caption: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks at a press conference during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Kyiv, Ukraine, 3 February 2026. EPA/STRINGER
Updated: February 11, 2026 - 09:58
