Peace talks, referendum and elections: Zelensky told what is being decided now
16 December 2025 10:51
Ukraine currently has no plans to hold a referendum on a possible peace document between Kyiv and Moscow. At the same time, the state is ready to hold elections, but only if a ceasefire is established and the necessary security infrastructure is created. This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a conversation with journalists, commenting on the course of peace talks and domestic political scenarios, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
Will there be a referendum on peace: the president’s position
According to Zelensky, the issue of a referendum is not currently on the agenda. The President explained that a potential peace agreement is a complex document that contains sensitive and responsible decisions.
“We are not talking about a referendum yet. This is a complex document and complex decisions. We are trying not to complicate the lives of Ukrainians, which is already difficult because of the war,” the Head of State noted.
He added that a referendum is possible only if the country comes to really sensitive issues that will require a direct expression of the will of citizens.
Elections in Ukraine: when are they possible?
Zelenskyy said that if it is decided that Ukraine needs elections, which has already been discussed in society because the topic was initiated by the United States, then elections will be held.
The President emphasized that he was ready to hold elections, but only after the cessation of hostilities. The key condition is a real ceasefire that will last for a sufficient period of time to prepare.
“Today I have once again emphasized to our partners that I am ready for the elections, and for the people to be ready, we need the cooperation of lawmakers, but above all, it is an opportunity to hold them. (There will be a ceasefire – ed.) – we are ready for the elections,” Zelensky told reporters.
According to Zelenskyy, to organize elections, it is necessary to
- amend the legislation;
- ensure the legitimacy of the electoral process;
- create a full-fledged security infrastructure.
“We need a ceasefire for the elections. If there is one – for a certain period, 60-90 days or another agreed period – we are ready for the elections,” the president emphasized.
Why security is a key condition
Zelenskyy emphasized that the elections should not be formal, but those that will produce a legitimate result recognized by Ukrainian society and international partners.
The security infrastructure includes:
- protection of polling stations;
- the possibility of voting for the military and IDPs;
- minimizing the risks of shelling and sabotage.
According to the President, it is impossible to hold elections without these conditions.
What is known about the peace talks in Berlin
Zelenskyy’s statements came against the backdrop of talks in Berlin that took place on December 14-15 with the participation of Ukrainian, American, and European delegations.
The Ukrainian side was led by Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The delegation also included:
- secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov;
- deputy Foreign Minister Serhiy Kyslytsia;
- chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Andriy Hnatov.
The U.S. side was represented by Special Presidential Envoy Steven Vitkoff, Donald Trump’s advisor Jared Kushner, and other senior officials.
The American side claimed “significant progress” in the talks, although the issue of territories remains the most difficult.
Did the US put pressure on Ukraine?
Some media outlets have reported alleged pressure from the US delegation to quickly conclude a peace deal. Zelenskyy had previously denied these claims, saying that the United States did not make demands, but only voiced the positions of the parties.
After the meetings in Berlin, US President Donald Trump said that peace in Ukraine is “closer than ever,” but no final decisions have been made.
