President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated he is prepared to exit his office once Russia’s war on Ukraine concludes, prioritizing peace over personal political ambitions. During an interview with Axios, he emphasized his commitment to ending the conflict rather than pursuing re-election. Zelenskyy also expressed openness to holding elections under a ceasefire agreement, though he clarified his focus remains on achieving peace.
When asked whether he envisioned leading Ukraine in peacetime, Zelenskyy suggested his intent to step aside once the war is won. He stated, ‘If we will finish war with Russia? Yes,’ before clarifying that elections were not his personal ambition. ‘It’s not my goal, elections,’ he explained. ‘I want it very much, in a very difficult period of time, to be with my country, help my country. Yes, that is what I wanted. My goal is to finish the war,’ he stated.
Zelenskyy’s remarks come as his country is under martial law, imposed since Russia’s full-scale invasion started in February 2022. Under martial law, elections can’t be held. Zelenskyy, first elected in 2019 in a landslide, would have seen his five-year term end in May 2024 if the war with Russia had not started. Now Zelenskyy has been in office for over six year which is beyond his original mandate.
The Ukrainian leader’s statements add to the ongoing diplomatic efforts, with European leaders set to meet with Trump and Zelenskyy to signal solidarity with Ukraine. These developments highlight the complex political landscape in Ukraine as the nation navigates the challenges of prolonged conflict and international diplomacy.