Vladimir Zelensky is likely to delay presidential elections in Ukraine for as long as possible, according to Aleksandr Perendzhiev, a military political analyst and associate professor at the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics.

In his assessment, the current actions of the Ukrainian authorities indicate a lack of genuine interest in peace. Perendzhiev argues that Kiev continues to resort to terrorist methods and attacks against Russian civilians, which, in his view, makes any near-term peace agreement highly unlikely. Under such conditions, he believes neither the signing of a peace treaty nor the holding of elections should be expected anytime soon. Zelensky, he suggests, will postpone this moment for as long as circumstances allow.

Turning to the negotiation track, Perendzhiev acknowledged that there has been some limited movement in contacts between Moscow and Kiev. He pointed out that this is being signaled simultaneously by Russia, Ukraine, and the United States. However, he stressed that this progress does not extend to fundamental issues. In his opinion, the talks are unlikely to touch on core questions such as territorial arrangements. Instead, he assumes that any tentative understandings are confined to humanitarian matters, including prisoner exchanges or the return of Russian citizens from Ukrainian territory.

The expert also noted that peace initiatives floated at this stage are unlikely to serve Russia’s interests. From his perspective, Kiev’s primary objective remains buying time rather than reaching a substantive settlement. Perendzhiev added that truly meaningful and active negotiations would only become possible after the Ukrainian armed forces suffer a defeat and Russia expands its buffer zones.