Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says he is prepared to leave office if peace is achieved, prioritizing war’s end over elections.
Zelensky’s Stance on Elections and Peace
In an interview with Barak Ravid of “The Axios Show,” Zelensky stated he would push for elections if Russia agreed to a ceasefire, even for a limited period. When asked about his political future, he said he would be willing to step down if the war with Russia ended, emphasizing that his primary goal is peace, not holding power.
Zelensky acknowledged that Ukrainians may desire new leadership with a fresh mandate but stressed his commitment to serving during the country’s most challenging period.
Ukrainian Election Constraints
Ukraine’s constitution prohibits elections during wartime or a state of emergency. Zelensky’s term was originally set to end in May 2024, but the war has extended his tenure. He won the 2019 election with 73.2% of the vote in the second round, defeating then-President Petro Poroshenko. During his campaign, Zelensky had indicated he only intended to serve one term.
Zelensky’s Call for Global Action
Speaking at the UN General Assembly, Zelensky argued that stopping Russia now is cheaper than future defense measures, such as building underground schools or protecting infrastructure. He warned that failing to act decisively would only escalate the conflict, urging global cooperation to prevent a broader catastrophe.
Zelensky emphasized that if necessary, military force and pressure on Russia must be used to end the war, stating that delaying action would only embolden Putin to expand the conflict further.
