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Russia Offers Ukraine Election Day Ceasefire, Zelenskyy Sets Conditions

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin stated Moscow would halt airstrikes on the day of a potential Ukrainian presidential election, echoing President Putin's earlier position. However, he noted no practical steps for organizing such a vote in Ukraine are currently being discussed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy countered that Kyiv would only hold elections if Russia first agrees to a full ceasefire, a challenge he directed at former US President Donald Trump. The exchange occurs ahead of anticipated trilateral talks involving Ukraine, Russia, and the US in Geneva.

Key Points: Russia Pledges to Halt Airstrikes for Ukraine Election Day

  • Russia offers election day truce
  • Zelenskyy demands full ceasefire first
  • Ukraine accused of disrupting Russian polls
  • Geneva trilateral talks upcoming
2 min read

'Will halt airstrikes on election day in Ukraine': Russian Minister Mikhail Galuzin

Russia offers to pause attacks if Ukraine holds presidential polls, while Zelenskyy demands a full ceasefire first. Latest on the diplomatic standoff.

"Give us a ceasefire... Push Putin, make a ceasefire, then our Parliament will change the law, and we will go to elections. - Volodymyr Zelenskyy"

Moscow, February 16

Russia will halt airstrikes on election day in Ukraine if Kyiv decides to hold presidential polls, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin told news agency TASS.

TASS reported that earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin also indicated that Moscow is ready to halt airstrikes if elections are held in Ukraine.

Galuzin backed President Putin's statement and said, "Of course, Russian President Vladimir Putin's statements remain relevant. But, as I earlier noted, there is no talk yet of the practical organisation of voting in Ukraine."

The Deputy Foreign Minister accused Ukraine of drone attacks during election campaigns in Russia in 2024.

"I would like to draw attention to our experience. In March 2024, presidential elections were held in Russia, and polling stations - even taking into account the ongoing military operations -were opened in close proximity to the combat zone. Kyiv tried every way possible to disrupt the electoral process in the frontline regions, not shying away from resorting to terrorist means and sabotage. However, it proved unable to achieve its goal," Galuzin said.

He added that Russia "will not stoop to Kyiv's practices and will allow the people of Ukraine to fully exercise their constitutionally enshrined electoral rights and independently determine the future development of their country. Of course, if the Kyiv regime finally decides to take this democratic step."

This comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, at the Munich Security Conference, stated that Kyiv will hold elections if Moscow agrees to a ceasefire. He urged United President Donald Trump to "push" Putin for a ceasefire.

"Give us a ceasefire. President Trump can do it. Push Putin, make a ceasefire, then our Parliament will change the law, and we will go to elections. We can also offer a ceasefire to the Russians if they hold elections in Russia," Zelenskyy said.

This comes in the backdrop of a trilateral meeting between Ukraine, Russia, and the US, which is expected be held in Geneva on February 17-18.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
It's heartbreaking to see the human cost of this war. Any pause in airstrikes, even for a day, could save lives. But it feels like a political gesture, not a genuine step towards peace. The world needs to push harder for a permanent solution. 🇮🇳 stands for peace.
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Rohit P
Interesting how Russia talks about allowing Ukraine to exercise "constitutionally enshrined electoral rights" while its troops are on Ukrainian soil. The hypocrisy is staggering. Hope the Geneva talks lead to something concrete. India's neutral stance is wise, but we must always support sovereignty.
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Sarah B
From a security perspective, this is a complex situation. Zelenskyy linking elections to a ceasefire is a smart strategic move. It puts the onus back on Russia. The mention of Trump is also significant – shows how much global politics is intertwined. The Geneva meeting will be crucial.
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Michael C
As an observer, the back-and-forth accusations about disrupting elections are telling. Both sides are using the democratic process as a weapon in the information war. The real victims are the civilians caught in the middle. The international community needs to facilitate dialogue, not just take sides.
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Nikhil C
Respectfully, I think we need to be cautious. The article reports statements from both sides. While Russia's offer seems conditional, Zelenskyy's condition for a ceasefire is also a major ask. It's a diplomatic deadlock. India's call for dialogue and diplomacy remains the only sane path forward. Jai Hind.

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