As President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's first five-year term expired nearly a year ago, the U.S. and Russia are in agreement that Ukrainians must decide on the head of state through elections. Russia has made it clear that it will not sign a peace agreement until Ukraine commits to holding elections. The U.S. has proposed a three-stage plan involving a ceasefire, followed by Ukrainian elections, and then finalizing a peace deal.
Zelenskyy's term was set to end last May, with elections initially planned for April 2024. However, due to martial law restrictions, elections cannot be held until six months after its conclusion as per the Ukrainian constitution. Zelenskyy's popularity has declined significantly since the war began, raising concerns about his future if peace is achieved and elections are triggered.
