Ongoing U.S.-mediated talks in early 2026 explored linking a potential Russia-Ukraine peace framework to simultaneous national elections and a referendum on territorial or security terms, with May dates floated by negotiators. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy indicated any deal involving major concessions, such as Donbas withdrawals, would require voter approval via referendum under constitutional rules on territorial changes. However, Russia has rejected unconditional ceasefires, insisting on its core demands, while Ukrainian civil society groups have challenged the referendum concept as potentially unlawful. No agreement or scheduling has advanced since February Geneva sessions, leaving the timeline dependent on breakthrough diplomacy or battlefield shifts before any vote could occur.