Zelensky: Ukraine Could Hold Elections in 60–90 Days If Allies Guarantee Security

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday that Ukraine could stage national elections within 60–90 days if international partners—particularly the United States and European allies—can guarantee security for voters and polling stations. He made the remarks to reporters aboard his plane as he departed Italy following meetings with the Italian prime minister and Pope Leo.

Security Guarantees Are Essential

"I am ready for the elections,"

Zelensky added that allied security guarantees would be necessary to protect citizens and election infrastructure amid ongoing attacks. "Not only that, I am asking—and I am now declaring this openly—the United States of America to help me, together with our European colleagues, to ensure security for the elections," he said.

Response to U.S. Criticism

The president's comments followed criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, who told Politico he believed Ukrainian leaders were using the war as a pretext "not to hold an election" and argued it was time for Kyiv to go to the polls. "They talk about a democracy, but it gets to a point where it’s not a democracy anymore," Trump said.

Zelensky pushed back, stressing that logistics and safety—not a desire to cling to power—determine whether voting is possible. "How can this be done under missile attacks on our military? The question is, how will they vote?" he asked, urging lawmakers to prepare legal proposals to allow elections during martial law while emphasizing that the decision ultimately rests with the Ukrainian people.

Three Documents Under Negotiation

Zelensky said Kyiv is negotiating three separate documents with American and European partners: a 20-point evolving framework for peace; a security-guarantees document being developed in consultation with the Ukrainian military and U.S. counterparts; and a post-conflict recovery plan intended to be implemented after a ceasefire or the end of hostilities.

He said Ukraine expected to hand an updated peace proposal to the United States imminently following talks with European leaders in London and elsewhere, and called for leadership-level meetings between Kyiv and Washington in the coming days to finalize outstanding issues.

Wider Diplomatic Implications

While Zelensky continues consultations with European allies, he cautioned that recent shifts in U.S. policy could complicate Europe’s role in a peace process. Pope Leo also voiced concern that a recent U.S. peace plan and a tougher U.S. posture toward Europe risk weakening the transatlantic alliance—something the pope said would undermine efforts to secure lasting peace in a war fought on European soil.

On Crimea and Military Capability

Zelensky acknowledged current limits to Ukraine's ability to retake Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014. "I will be honest—today we do not have the strength for all this, we do not have sufficient support for all this," he said when asked whether he had previously told Vladimir Putin in Paris in 2019 that he wanted Crimea back and sought NATO membership.

Christopher Lamb and Kit Maher contributed to this report.