- By Shivangi Sharma
- Thu, 25 Sep 2025 05:16 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has revealed that his concern is bringing an end to the war with Russia and not remaining in office for more time. While speaking with Axios, Zelenskyy revealed that he would be ready to resign once the war ends. "My intention is to complete the war," Zelenskyy told Axios. "Not to keep running for election. I really wanted, in this time of trouble, to be in my country, to serve my country. Yes, that's what I always wanted," he added.
The remarks are one of Zelenskyy's most unambiguous signs that he does not plan to stay in power forever. Since Russia invaded Ukraine on a full scale in 2022, Zelenskyy has emerged as a leading international figure, frequently praised for his leadership and spirit. Moscow has consistently downgraded him as an "illegitimate" president. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov earlier this year declared that the Kremlin would never accept Zelenskyy's signature on any future peace treaty.
Ukraine’s Struggle And Global Appeal
Addressing the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, Zelenskyy rejected the idea of a ceasefire, accusing Russia of targeting civilian infrastructure and abducting Ukrainian children. “Ukrainians are peaceful people, even during bloodshed,” he said, highlighting the human cost of the ongoing conflict and appealing for international support.
Zelenskyy's words focused on how his presidency is motivated by the war effort, rather than individual political ambition. In prioritising Ukraine's defence and calling on international leaders to tackle Russian aggression, he has presented his leadership as a wartime exigency, rather than a bid for power.
Ukraine's presidential elections, initially planned for March or April 2024, were delayed by martial law and war conditions. Zelenskyy suggested that elections would be possible only under a ceasefire and with proper security assurances. The earliest possible date for new elections is likely to be mid to late 2025, based on present legal and security evaluations.
The president explained that he is willing not to run for re-election once the war is over, reiterating that conducting elections is secondary to achieving peace. He intimated that it is possible to hold voting even while there is a ceasefire, as long as safety conditions are achieved.