The situation in southern Ukraine's Odessa region on the Black Sea is serious after Russia intensified its attacks aimed at blocking Ukraine's access to the Black Sea, President Volodymyr Zelensky said, quoted by Reuters, BTA reported.
The president emphasized that elections can only be held when security in the country is guaranteed. He also said that it is not the job of Russian President Vladimir Putin to decide how and when elections should be held in Ukraine.
Zelensky categorically stated that elections cannot be organized in parts of Ukraine that are under Russian occupation.
According to him, the Ukrainian Foreign Minister has begun initial work on building infrastructure that would allow Ukrainians living abroad to vote.
The president also said that the European Union's decision to fund Ukraine strengthens Kiev's position in the negotiations.
He added that Ukraine is working with the United States for a stable peace agreement, not a deal that would involve "division of territories and resources".