Moscow just potentially created a big opening for Ukrainian elections to actually happen, with an unexpected overture:
Russia is ready to ensure that there will be no airstrikes on election day in Ukraine if Kiev decides to hold elections, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin said an interview with TASS.
However, the big question remains of if President Zelensky decides to actually proceed with an election. Given that months ago he didn't even cave to Trump pressuring him to do so, it's very up in the air whether he wants to actually see this through, or if martial law will continue to be used as an excuse to block a vote.
Russian President Vladimir Putin himself has floated willingness to halt airstrikes deep into Ukraine on election day if elections are held there - but he's also also recently said that the millions of Ukrainians currently living in Russia should have the right to vote.
These are mostly Russian-speaking Ukrainians who lived in the Donbass - as well as Crimea - before war broke out, or who are still there amid the conflict.
"Of course, Russian President Vladimir Putin's statements remain relevant. But, as I earlier noted, there is no talk yet of the practical organization of voting in Ukraine," Galuzin said.
"I would like to draw attention to our experience. In March 2024, presidential elections were held in Russia, and polling stations - even taking into account the ongoing military operations -were opened in close proximity to the combat zone. Kiev tried every way possible to disrupt the electoral process in the frontline regions, not shying away from resorting to terrorist means and sabotage. However, it proved unable to achieve its goal," Galuzin added.
He then emphasized that Russia "will not stoop to Kiev's practices and will allow the people of Ukraine to fully exercise their constitutionally enshrined electoral rights and independently determine the future development of their country."
"Of course, if the Kiev regime finally decides to take this democratic step," the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister added.
Ukraine has said a parliamentary committee is still studying the issue, and that the total safety of all citizens would have to be guaranteed - also by international powers - while the vote proceeds.
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