Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin confirmed on 15/2 that President Vladimir Putin's previous statements regarding a halt to airstrikes during Ukrainian elections remain valid. He noted, however, that no concrete plans for such elections currently exist in Ukraine.
President Putin had previously stated Russia would consider pausing deep airstrikes into Ukrainian territory if the country organized elections. Putin also emphasized that 5-10 million Ukrainians residing in Russia should be allowed to vote.
Deputy Minister Galuzin also highlighted Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicle (uav) attacks on Russian territory during past elections.
"I want to draw attention to our experience. In 3/2024, Russia held presidential elections, and polling stations remained open in areas near the front lines, even as the military campaign was ongoing. Kyiv sought every means to disrupt the electoral process, not hesitating to use terrorist and subversive measures. However, they did not achieve their goals," he said.
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Deputy Minister Galuzin at a press conference in Istanbul, Turkey, 7/2025. Photo: *AFP* |
He asserted that Moscow "does not act like Kyiv" and would facilitate the full exercise of constitutionally guaranteed electoral rights for Ukrainians, allowing them to decide their country's future.
"Of course, the condition is that the Ukrainian government decides to take this democratic step," the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister added.
Ukrainian officials have not commented on Galuzin's statement.
President Volodymyr Zelensky's term expired in 5/2024. However, Ukraine has not held elections, maintaining martial law since the conflict began.
The Kremlin has long maintained that Zelensky is no longer Ukraine's legitimate leader due to his expired term, deeming him unqualified for direct dialogue with President Putin. Russian officials often refer to Zelensky as "this figure" or "this man," avoiding his name or title.
President Zelensky had previously stated that elections would only occur after hostilities conclude. However, in 12/2025, he indicated readiness to hold elections within three months if the US and other allies could guarantee the security of the vote.
