Group 1 - The primary condition for Ukraine to hold elections is the amendment of election-related laws under wartime status, with the key authority resting with the Verkhovna Rada (parliament) [3] - Current election laws are inadequate for wartime conditions and require targeted revisions to facilitate the electoral process [3] - The Central Election Commission is collaborating with expert groups and international partners to prepare for necessary legal amendments, but the initiative remains under the control of the Verkhovna Rada [3] Group 2 - Ukrainian law prohibits elections during a state of war, and President Zelensky's term is set to end in May 2024, following the escalation of the crisis in February 2022 [4] - The inability to hold the presidential election as scheduled in March 2024 is a direct consequence of the ongoing wartime status [4]

Core Viewpoint - Ukrainian President Zelensky sharply criticized Russian President Putin's demand for new elections in Ukraine, asserting that Putin has no authority to decide when or how Ukraine holds elections [1][3]. Group 1: Zelensky's Response - Zelensky stated that only Ukrainian citizens living in the controlled areas of Ukraine can vote, emphasizing that these regions can ensure honest and transparent elections [2][4]. - He vowed that Putin cannot influence the upcoming presidential elections in Ukraine [1][3]. Group 2: Putin's Statements - Putin reiterated his call for presidential elections in Ukraine and criticized the current Ukrainian leadership as illegitimate during his annual press conference [1][3]. - He claimed that there are between 5 million to 10 million Ukrainians living in Russia and suggested that they should participate in the voting process [1][3].

Core Viewpoint - The Russian government is paying attention to comments made by former U.S. President Trump regarding the origins of the Ukraine conflict, noting that his views align with Russia's stance on NATO and territorial issues [1] Group 1 - The Russian presidential press secretary, Peskov, stated that Russia acknowledges Trump's remarks about Ukraine's potential NATO membership and territorial losses, which reflect Russia's position [1] - Peskov emphasized the importance of observing how the situation develops following Ukrainian President Zelensky's indication of readiness for presidential elections, reiterating Russia's long-standing call for the necessity of elections in Ukraine [1] - Peskov asserted that Russia is committed to achieving a long-term and sustainable peace in Ukraine rather than merely a ceasefire [1]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article is that Ukrainian President Zelensky has expressed readiness to step down after the end of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, emphasizing his responsibility to end the war rather than to run for re-election [1] - Zelensky stated that if a ceasefire agreement with Russia is reached, he would request the parliament to organize presidential elections, indicating a willingness to not nominate himself for the next presidential term [1] - Zelensky has been in office since May 2019, with his term set to end in May 2024, but the presidential elections originally scheduled for March 2024 were postponed due to the wartime status of Ukraine [1]