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Zelensky signals readiness for wartime elections
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Wednesday that Ukraine is prepared to hold presidential elections within the next 60 to 90 days if security conditions can be guaranteed with assistance from the United States and European allies.
Legal and security hurdles remain
Zelensky's five-year term officially ended in May 2024, but elections have been suspended under martial law imposed following Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. The president told reporters he would request proposals to amend existing laws to enable voting during wartime.
"I am openly asking the U.S. to assist-possibly alongside our European partners-in securing the electoral process," Zelensky said. "The decision ultimately rests with the Ukrainian people, not foreign governments."
Trump's remarks reignite debate
Zelensky's comments followed an interview with former U.S. President Donald Trump, who repeated claims that Kyiv was using the war to avoid elections. Trump suggested without evidence that Zelensky was obstructing peace efforts and accused European leaders of weakness in supporting Ukraine.
"They talk about democracy, but it reaches a point where it's no longer democratic."
Donald Trump, in an interview with Politico
Zelensky dismissed accusations that he was clinging to power, calling such narratives "completely unreasonable." He noted his 2019 election victory, where he secured over 73% of the vote.
Logistical and political challenges
Organizing elections amid ongoing conflict presents significant obstacles. Approximately 5.7 million Ukrainians are displaced abroad, while soldiers on the front lines would require leave or alternative voting methods. Opposition lawmaker Lesia Vasylenko emphasized that a fair vote would require participation from all citizens, including those in combat.
"Elections are never possible in wartime," Vasylenko told the BBC, citing historical precedents like the UK's suspension of elections during World War II.
Domestic consensus against wartime elections
Oleksandr Merezhko, chairman of Ukraine's parliamentary foreign policy committee, stated there was "strong consensus" among politicians and civil society against holding elections under martial law. He warned that an election campaign could be divisive and play into Russian President Vladimir Putin's strategy to destabilize Ukraine.
"Having failed to destroy us from outside, Putin wants to destroy us from within, using elections as another tool."
Oleksandr Merezhko, Servant of the People MP
Public opinion divided but shifting
A March poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) found 78% of Ukrainians opposed elections until after a complete settlement with security guarantees. By September, opposition had softened to 63%, while 22% supported elections after a ceasefire-a rise from 9% in March.
Foreign policy analyst Hanna Shelest highlighted the practical difficulties, including securing polling stations and enabling voting for soldiers and refugees. "You cannot guarantee the safety of the process," she said.
Diplomatic pressure intensifies
Zelensky is currently on a European tour to rally support amid stalled U.S.-Ukraine negotiations. Trump has urged Zelensky to "play ball" by ceding territory to Russia, a demand Kyiv has rejected. The Ukrainian president has ruled out surrendering land and sought assurances from NATO allies to deter unfavorable peace terms.
