February 11, 2026

FT: Zelensky may announce elections and peace referendum in February. The President of Ukraine denied this

Ukraine has begun planning presidential elections and a referendum on a peace agreement with Russia after pressure from the US. This is reported by the Financial Times, citing sources. According to the publication's interlocutors, Volodymyr Zelensky intends to announce this on February 24, the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion. "Ukrainians have a clear understanding that all this needs to be linked to Zelensky's re-election," said a Western official. The Trump administration demanded that Kyiv hold both votes by May 15, threatening to deprive Ukraine of security guarantees otherwise, journalists write. "Holding elections will be a dramatic turn for the President of Ukraine, who has repeatedly stated that elections are impossible while martial law is in effect, millions of Ukrainians are displaced, and about 20% of the country's territory is occupied," writes FT. Sources of the publication note that the US schedule and ultimatum are unlikely to be met – they depend on progress in negotiations with Russia. However, the plan reflects Zelensky's desire to increase his chances of re-election and show Trump that Kyiv is not hindering a peaceful settlement. Advisor to the head of Zelensky's office, Mykhailo Podolyak, stated in an interview with Breakfast Show that holding elections requires the cessation of the active phase of the war and missile and drone strikes. If the active phase of the war is not ended, people will not be able to exercise their right to run, he noted. Later, the President of Ukraine himself told reporters that he had not planned to announce the holding of presidential elections and a referendum on a peace agreement in the country. "I hear about the intention to announce [elections and referendum] on the 24th for the first time. I heard it for the first time, probably, from the Financial Times. Now I hear it for the second time from you. Secondly, I have spoken many times about elections, we will proceed with elections when we receive reliable security guarantees," Zelensky was quoted by the publication "Suspilne". On February 7, the President of Ukraine stated that the US would like to achieve peace between Moscow and Kyiv before the beginning of summer: "They say they want to do everything by June. And they need a clear schedule of all events." Updated at 22:02 Moscow time: added Zelensky's comment.