The Kremlin frantically rejects any elections in Ukraine

Russia is once again dismissing the legitimacy of any future Ukrainian government it does not directly control, reacting to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s recent statement that he is ready to hold elections before the end of the war.

Zelenskyy said he is prepared to organise nationwide elections within 60–90 days and has asked the United States and Europe to help ensure security during the vote. He also instructed Ukraine’s parliament to draft amendments to the law that currently bans elections under martial law.

Kremlin officials quickly denounced the idea, even though they have repeatedly claimed that Ukraine must hold elections before any peace talks can occur.

Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin’s spokesperson, said Moscow is “not discussing” Zelenskyy’s readiness to hold elections and will simply “monitor the situation.” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova accused Zelenskyy of “cynicism,” claiming that his request for Western security support proves Ukraine has “lost its sovereignty.”
Rodion Miroshnyk, a Russian envoy, went further, calling Zelenskyy’s proposal an “arrogant bluff” and warning that Moscow would oppose any U.S. or European attempts to help secure the vote.

These reactions mirror Vladimir Putin’s recent statement that Russia will only consider peace agreements with authorities acceptable to Moscow—and that even after elections, Ukraine would have to take “additional steps” before Russia would engage in talks.

Analysts from ISW (Institue for Study of War) note that the Kremlin’s response underscores Russia’s ongoing effort to deny Ukraine meaningful sovereignty and to block any genuine peace negotiations unless they amount to Ukraine’s capitulation.

Zelensky affirms Ukrainians will decide territorial concessions through elections or a referendum

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on December 11 that any territorial decisions to end Russia’s war must be made by the Ukrainian people themselves, either through elections or a national referendum.

“The Russians want the whole of Donbas — we don’t accept that,” Zelensky said. “I believe the Ukrainian people will answer this question. Whether through elections or a referendum, the people must have a say.”

His remarks come as Kyiv faces growing pressure from the United States to consider the terms of an emerging peace proposal, with the war now entering its fourth year.

Russia has demanded that Ukraine withdraw its forces from the entire Donbas region — including areas of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts that Russian troops have failed to seize despite years of fighting.

Ukraine brings back 19 children and teenagers from Russian occupation

Ukraine has successfully returned 19 children and teenagers from Russian-occupied territories, according to the Bring Kids Back UA initiative and the charity organization Save Ukraine. The group includes a 19-year-old woman who had been repeatedly harassed by Russian soldiers and an 18-year-old who had received a conscription notice from occupation authorities.

One of the rescued teens, 17-year-old Sofia, lived under constant pressure after Russian troops searched her family’s home and discovered pro-Ukrainian messages on her mother’s phone. The family was fined and placed under surveillance, while Sofia was subjected to propaganda and mandatory military-style training at school.

Another returnee, 18-year-old Ostap, was twice issued a draft summons before he reached legal military age. His mother eventually kept him inside the house, fearing he could be taken by the occupying forces. Leaving the occupied area was dangerous, but the family saw no alternative.

Olena, 19, also managed to reach Ukrainian-controlled territory. She reported ongoing harassment by Russian soldiers near her school and repeated threats during home searches. Her family said they feared she could be taken away.

The family of 12-year-old Makar described frequent searches, interrogations, and threats. Soldiers at one point attempted to seize the father’s car for military use. Drone attacks on civilians in their area — including one that killed a local boy — finally pushed the family to flee.

Ukrainian officials say efforts to locate and return children from occupied areas remain one of the country’s most urgent humanitarian priorities.

Zelenskyy asks to prepare wartime election legislation after receiving signals from the US

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he has asked lawmakers to draft legislative amendments that would allow national elections to take place under martial law, following signals from the United States urging progress on the issue.

Speaking with reporters in Kyiv, Zelenskyy noted that international partners — including the U.S. — have repeatedly raised the question of elections amid ongoing discussions about how to bring the war to an end.

"The president of the United States said that everyone wants to end the war and that it cannot be that Ukrainians will delay this moment by supposedly holding on to one position or another. And therefore I am, of course, in favor of elections," Zelenskyy said.

He emphasized that any vote must be legitimate and would require assistance from Ukraine’s partners to ensure security and proper administration during wartime. "If our partners can help us organize the electoral process safely and within a reasonable timeframe, I will support it," he added.

Zelenskyy said that after receiving these signals from Washington, he formally asked members of Parliament to begin working on the necessary legal changes.

"So that this is not just a media signal from me, I asked the members of the Ukrainian Parliament to prepare legislative amendments enabling elections during martial law. Today, it is important to end the war — and to end it from a position of strength for Ukraine. There was a signal from the United States regarding elections; I responded, and I am ready for this," he said.