Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reportedly given instructions to hold new elections after a full ceasefire deal with Russia , which the US hopes to enforce by Easter, The Economist has learned.
For Ukrainians to return to the polls, it will be necessary to understand whether there is room for a truce with Moscow and whether the martial law in force in the country until May 8 will be extended or not. The lifting of martial law is in fact a necessary first step to start an electoral process. Sources differ on the exact timing, but most say that Zelensky is aiming for a vote in the summer .
Meanwhile, the names of the outgoing leader's possible opponents are making their way. Like that of Valery Zaluzhny, former commander in chief of the Ukrainian armed forces and now ambassador to London . However, Zaluzhny has not yet revealed his cards. When asked by RBC-Ukraine about his possible candidacy, he said: "My answer to this has not changed. While the war is going on, we must all work to save the country, and not think about the elections. I do not comment on the various rumors."
(Unioneonline/lf)