Zelensky rejects Putin’s election call: No vote in occupied areas

WISE NEWS PRESS / KYIV, UKRAINE — DEC. 21, 2025

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sharply rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin’s calls for elections in Ukraine during a joint press conference with Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro in Kyiv. Zelensky asserted that the timing and manner of Ukrainian elections are determined solely by the Ukrainian people, stating firmly that no voting will take place in territories currently outside of Ukraine’s control.

The statement came during Prime Minister Montenegro’s first official visit to the capital, where the two leaders signed a strategic document for the joint production of unmanned maritime vehicles (UMVs). Zelensky highlighted this defense cooperation as one of the most promising areas for Ukraine’s current security efforts, while also thanking Portugal for its support of the €90 billion European financial security guarantee for Ukraine.

Conditions for a Democratic Process

President Zelensky emphasized that any future election must meet specific security and legislative conditions, noting the vital importance of ensuring that military personnel can vote. Addressing discussions with U.S. partners, Zelensky suggested that a secure electoral process could only be facilitated through conditions such as a ceasefire, the end of the war, or a temporary truce specifically for the duration of the elections. He reiterated that while voting abroad is under consideration, areas under Russian occupation remain excluded from the process.

Demand for a "Just and Strong" Peace

Regarding potential peace talks scheduled to take place in the U.S. involving international representatives, Zelensky maintained a firm stance on the terms of any agreement. He emphasized that peace must not come "at any price," citing the immense sacrifices already made by the Ukrainian people. Zelensky insisted that any future settlement must be a "just, strong, and deterrent" agreement that clearly outlines Ukraine’s defense capacities and international sanction mechanisms for potential violations.

The meeting also touched on regional developments and bilateral trade, as both leaders paid tribute to the fallen at the Memorial Wall in Kyiv before their formal discussions.

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