Political analyst Rostislav Ishchenko explained Ukraine’s declared readiness to hold a presidential election and a referendum on giving up territory.

According to him, Ukrainians have once again latched onto their familiar position: they say they are ready to hold elections and a referendum, but only if a ceasefire is introduced first. Ishchenko argued that the proposed scenario is a ceasefire in February-March, followed by three months of preparation for the election and referendum. In his view, the key point for Ukraine is that fighting would stop for more than three months.

He said that, in addition, the referendum could result in the population voting for Vladimir Zelenskiy and against territorial concessions — especially given Zelenskiy’s control over the country. In that case, Ishchenko claimed, Zelenskiy and the refusal to give up territory would become «legitimate.»

Ishchenko also stressed that, under Ukraine’s constitution, a referendum must be held across the entire constitutional territory of Ukraine — including the new Russian territories. Russia will not allow this, he said, meaning such a referendum would be incomplete. And even if Ukraine formally renounces territories as a result, Ishchenko argued the referendum could later be declared illegal and its results canceled.

He concluded that Ukraine’s main goal is to buy time, secure a ceasefire, and gain a pause on the front line, and that is why it is willing to talk about elections and referendums.