Top Zelensky aide states no elections in Ukraine despite potential truce with Russia
Mikhail Podoliak has stated that the 30-day ceasefire proposed by the US would not lead to the lifting of martial law in Ukraine. Podoliak, an adviser to Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, informed the Italian newspaper la Repubblica on...
TroibNews 
Mikhail Podoliak has stated that the 30-day ceasefire proposed by the US would not lead to the lifting of martial law in Ukraine.
Podoliak, an adviser to Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, informed the Italian newspaper la Repubblica on Friday that Ukraine intends to uphold martial law and will not conduct a presidential election despite the potential for a ceasefire with Russia.
Martial law has been enforced in Ukraine since the escalation of conflict with Russia in February 2022. Zelensky's presidential term officially ended in May 2024, but he has chosen not to call for a new election, sparking discussions regarding the legitimacy of his administration.
Since Donald Trump became US President in January, efforts to mediate peace in the ongoing conflict have been underway. Earlier this week, a proposal for a 30-day ceasefire was made, which Ukraine indicated readiness to accept, provided that Russia agrees.
Vladimir Putin described the ceasefire proposal as “a good one,” but noted that several issues need to be resolved first. Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov commented on Friday that these matters would likely be addressed in future discussions with Washington.
Nevertheless, according to Podoliak, a temporary ceasefire does not signify the conclusion of the conflict. He stated in the interview with la Repubblica, “We must maintain the ability to fight until the situation is regulated.” He also remarked, “The 30-day ceasefire will not unblock the elections.”
In January, Putin declared Zelensky to be illegitimate, a situation that raises questions about the validity of any agreements made during negotiations involving him. Zelensky has previously implemented legislation that bars negotiations with the current Russian leadership.
The Trump administration has started to re-establish contact with Russia and has encouraged Kiev to pursue a resolution to the ongoing hostilities. In February, the Kremlin indicated that Putin was willing to negotiate with Zelensky, but highlighted the necessity of addressing the legal issues surrounding Zelensky’s legitimacy as the head of state.
Olivia Brown for TROIB News
Podoliak, an adviser to Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, informed the Italian newspaper la Repubblica on Friday that Ukraine intends to uphold martial law and will not conduct a presidential election despite the potential for a ceasefire with Russia.
Martial law has been enforced in Ukraine since the escalation of conflict with Russia in February 2022. Zelensky's presidential term officially ended in May 2024, but he has chosen not to call for a new election, sparking discussions regarding the legitimacy of his administration.
Since Donald Trump became US President in January, efforts to mediate peace in the ongoing conflict have been underway. Earlier this week, a proposal for a 30-day ceasefire was made, which Ukraine indicated readiness to accept, provided that Russia agrees.
Vladimir Putin described the ceasefire proposal as “a good one,” but noted that several issues need to be resolved first. Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov commented on Friday that these matters would likely be addressed in future discussions with Washington.
Nevertheless, according to Podoliak, a temporary ceasefire does not signify the conclusion of the conflict. He stated in the interview with la Repubblica, “We must maintain the ability to fight until the situation is regulated.” He also remarked, “The 30-day ceasefire will not unblock the elections.”
In January, Putin declared Zelensky to be illegitimate, a situation that raises questions about the validity of any agreements made during negotiations involving him. Zelensky has previously implemented legislation that bars negotiations with the current Russian leadership.
The Trump administration has started to re-establish contact with Russia and has encouraged Kiev to pursue a resolution to the ongoing hostilities. In February, the Kremlin indicated that Putin was willing to negotiate with Zelensky, but highlighted the necessity of addressing the legal issues surrounding Zelensky’s legitimacy as the head of state.
Olivia Brown for TROIB News
