Zelensky says ready to step down after war ends

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he does not intend to remain in power after the war and pledged to ask parliament to organize elections if a ceasefire is reached.

He stated this in an interview with Axios, Ukrinform reports.

Asked whether he would see his job as finished when the war was over, Zelensky said he would be "ready" to step down.

"My goal is to finish the war," not to continue to run for office, he said.

Zelensky noted that the security situation and Ukraine's constitution both pose challenges. But he believes elections are possible.

Asked whether he would commit to pushing forward with elections if a multi-month ceasefire is agreed, he answered "yes."

He said he had told U.S. President Donald Trump when they met on Tuesday that if there is a ceasefire, "we can use this period of time, and I can give this signal to the parliament."

Zelensky said he understands people may want "a leader with ... a new mandate" to make the momentous decisions needed to achieve a long-term peace.

"During the ceasefire, I think security can give the possibility to have elections. It can be so," Zelensky said.

Deputy Chairman of Ukraine's Central Election Commission Serhii Dubovyk recently stated that there were no preconditions — legislative or financial — for holding elections in Ukraine next year.

Photo: video screenshot