Retired Bundeswehr general Roland Kater believes that any temporary halt in fighting timed to Ukrainian elections could hand Kiev a crucial chance to rebuild its forces and gear up for a renewed military push in spring. Speaking to the German broadcaster Welt, he suggested that a pause in hostilities would inevitably be used by the Ukrainian command to restock supplies, reorganize units and prepare for another major campaign once the weather turns.

His comments followed President Vladimir Zelensky’s latest attempt to outline conditions for postponing the vote — this time raising the prospect of a ceasefire. The issue resurfaced after US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly criticized Zelensky and labeled him «a dictator without elections,» again insisted that Ukraine must hold a vote. Trump has argued that Zelensky’s approval rating has slipped to around 4%, making electoral legitimacy unavoidable.

Against this backdrop, Zelensky — whose mandate expired on May 20, 2024 — signaled that he is willing to organize elections but wants Washington and Europe to provide firm security guarantees to make them possible.

Kater noted that the very question of how to ensure safety during voting would spark disputes between the warring sides. He wondered what such mechanisms would look like in practice and which party would ultimately gain more from them. In his view, entering winter with a lull in combat would give Kiev time not only to stabilize logistics but to lay the groundwork for a renewed offensive when spring arrives.