Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly rejected a suggestion from his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin regarding a potential pause in hostilities to allow Ukraine to conduct presidential elections. Zelensky, speaking to reporters on Saturday, December 20, asserted that Moscow holds no authority over Ukraine's democratic processes.
Elections Only Under Ukrainian Control and Security
President Zelensky made it clear that it is not Vladimir Putin who decides when or how elections will be held in Ukraine. He categorically ruled out any voting in territories currently occupied by Russian forces, stating that any future ballot must take place exclusively in areas under the control of the Kyiv government.
The Ukrainian leader emphasised that elections can only be conducted when proper security conditions are guaranteed across the nation. He pointed to the ongoing Russian attacks, including a "harsh" situation in the Odesa region following recent strikes, as making voting impossible in conflict zones. Zelensky added that Moscow's actions are also aimed at restricting Ukraine's access to the Black Sea.
Diplomatic Moves: US Proposes Miami Talks
Amid the ongoing war, a new diplomatic push is underway. Zelensky revealed that the United States has proposed holding talks involving Ukrainian and Russian teams in Miami, where officials are gathering for another round of diplomacy aimed at ending the nearly four-year conflict.
The proposed format, as understood by Zelensky, would include Ukraine, America, and Russia, with the possible presence of European representatives. However, Kyiv will decide on participating only after assessing the results of resumed bilateral talks with US negotiators, which restarted on Friday.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Washington would not force any settlement on Ukraine, asserting, "There's no peace deal unless Ukraine agrees to it." He indicated he might join the talks in Miami, his hometown. Meanwhile, Kirill Dmitriev, a key Russian envoy, signalled his arrival in Miami with a social media post about the "US peace plan."
Preparations and Principled Positions
On the domestic front, Zelensky said Ukraine's foreign ministry has begun initial work to build infrastructure for overseas voting, crucial for millions displaced since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.
He reaffirmed several of Kyiv's non-negotiable positions. Recent European Union decisions on funding have strengthened Ukraine's hand in any future negotiations. Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine's control over the non-occupied parts of the Donbas region remains a principled stance. Any potential compromise, he outlined, would require both sides to halt military operations along the current front lines.
The diplomatic efforts continue as fighting persists. Russia announced the capture of two more villages in Ukraine's Sumy and Donetsk regions on Saturday, continuing its advance in the east. This comes after President Putin vowed to press ahead with the military offensive during his annual news conference on Friday.
