Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed his willingness to hold national elections within the next two to three months — provided that the United States and European partners help ensure the security of the voting process. The BBC's Russian Service says he made the statement during a press briefing in Italy on Tuesday evening.

Zelensky stressed that the decision to hold elections rests with the Ukrainian people, but emphasized two key conditions: safe voting, including participation of military personnel, and legislative changes allowing for elections under martial law.

“If our partners help secure the process, elections could take place within 60 to 90 days,” Zelensky said, adding that he had already instructed lawmakers to prepare relevant legal amendments.

Due to the ongoing war, Ukraine postponed parliamentary elections scheduled for October 2023 and the presidential vote originally planned for March 2024. Russia, he noted, has used this delay to question the legitimacy of his presidency.

Ukraine to submit updated peace plan to U.S.

Zelensky also announced that Kyiv would send an updated version of its peace plan to the U.S. on Wednesday. Three core documents are currently under discussion as part of broader negotiations with American and European allies:

·         A 20-point framework adaptable to the interests of Ukraine, Europe, and the international community;

·         A security guarantee agreement, being drafted jointly with the U.S. and European partners, which could serve as the foundation for a “coalition of the willing”;

·         A reconstruction plan focused on Ukraine’s economic and infrastructure recovery post-war or post-ceasefire.

The Ukrainian leader added that Kyiv is open to an “energy ceasefire” — if Russia halts its attacks on the country’s energy infrastructure. He called it a matter of civilian safety.

NATO, Crimea, and pressure from the U.S.

Commenting on a potential future meeting with Vladimir Putin, Zelensky reaffirmed Ukraine’s intention to join NATO, though he acknowledged that some member states remain hesitant.

He also admitted that Ukraine currently lacks the resources to retake Crimea, and stated that he had acknowledged this in the past and still does today.

According to the Financial Times, the U.S. administration is pressing Kyiv to respond quickly to a proposed peace plan that reportedly involves Ukraine recognizing certain territorial losses in exchange for vague U.S. security guarantees.

Sources describe the situation as a diplomatic deadlock — with Kyiv caught between unacceptable terms and mounting pressure from Washington.

Zelensky told European leaders that he needed time for further consultations. Prior to his Italy visit, he held talks with the leaders of France, Germany, and the UK. In Rome, he discussed the peace proposal with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.