Overview
- Zelensky rejected claims that Washington threatened to withdraw security guarantees or linked them to holding a rapid vote.
- The Financial Times reported the U.S., reportedly at President Trump's request, pushed for a two-round presidential election and a peace referendum by May 15, a timeline Kyiv disputes.
- Ukrainian officials say neither elections nor a referendum can occur under martial law, with lawmakers planning to review possible legal changes in March–April and the election commission warning it would need months after martial law lifts.
- Major obstacles include residency rules that exclude many refugees and POWs, outdated voter rolls, occupied territories, and difficulties ensuring voting access for soldiers and displaced citizens.
- Election monitors warn Russia could disrupt any ballot without a ceasefire, including through drone threats to polling sites, while surveys show most Ukrainians prefer elections only after the war ends.