Zelenskyy: Referendum and presidential elections can be held simultaneously after peace deal
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that if a nationwide referendum on the ratification of the peace agreement is needed, it could be held simultaneously with the presidential elections. According to him, this is possible in 60 or 90 days after the signing of the agreement, if security conditions are met.
Elections after peace and martial law
The Head of State noted that the draft document on the end of the war provides for the earliest possible elections after the signing of the agreement. The Verkhovna Rada will be able to determine the date of the presidential election as part of the implementation of the agreements. At the same time, parliamentary and local elections require different conditions due to constitutional restrictions and the scale of citizen participation.
Zelensky stressed that martial law will not be cancelled immediately after peace and will remain in force for several months. That is why, if there is a demand for a quick renewal of the government, it is logical to start with the presidential elections. He emphasised that he was not holding on to his position and that decisions should be made by MPs, taking into account security and democratic standards.
Ceasefire monitoring
Mechanisms for monitoring compliance with the ceasefire are detailed in a separate security agreement. It provides for the work of monitoring missions with the participation of the United States and European partners, as well as clear algorithms for responding to violations.
The basic document on the end of the war refers to the creation of a system for monitoring the contact line using space-based unmanned surveillance, early warning and de-escalation mechanisms.
Date of Ukraine's accession to the EU
The President emphasised that the peace agreement should set a specific date of Ukraine's accession to the European Union. He cited the examples of 2027 or 2028 and noted that without clear deadlines, membership cannot be considered a real guarantee of security.
The draft document also provides for Ukraine's short-term privileged access to the EU market. The dates of accession are still being discussed with the European side, but, according to Zelenskyy, American partners support a time-bound approach.
Efficiency of Ukrainian missiles
Zelenskyy reported on the growing effectiveness of Ukrainian missile developments. During the latest use of Flamingo missiles, one of the five launched hit the target, while four more were shot down by Russian air defence. According to him, the performance is improving every month.
The President also noted the Ruta missile, which is manufactured in cooperation with foreign partners. It has successful examples of application, but is still being produced in small volumes due to technical issues, including a lack of engines and funding. According to the President, the accuracy of Neptune missiles has become very high.
Sanctions against Russia
The President stressed that the draft peace agreement does not contain provisions on the lifting of sanctions against Russia. At the same time, there is an understanding that the United States may gradually lift its restrictions after the end of hostilities.
Zelensky reminded that sanctions are multilateral in nature, with separate US, European and other countries' sanctions. He warned against promises to lift restrictions on behalf of other states and stressed that trust in Russia remains low due to its systematic violation of agreements and ongoing strikes against Ukraine.
