Zelensky denies reports of planned May elections and peace referendum

President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed reports by the Financial Times claiming he would announce presidential elections and a peace referendum on February 24, 2026. Zelensky stated that elections cannot be held until a ceasefire with Moscow is implemented and comprehensive security guarantees are in place. The Financial Times had reported that US officials, including a team led by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, were pressuring Kyiv to hold the votes by May 15. According to those reports, failure to set a timeline could impact Ukraine's future security guarantees. Zelensky countered this by emphasizing that the US and Europe must maintain a unified negotiating front against Russia. He also confirmed discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron regarding diplomatic efforts in Moscow. While recent US-mediated talks in Abu Dhabi led to a release of 314 prisoners of war on February 5, the timeline for a peace deal remains uncertain. Ukrainian electoral authorities have noted that organizing a national vote would require at least six months under current conditions.