Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that national elections in Ukraine will only take place after a ceasefire with Russia and the establishment of strong security guarantees, emphasizing that holding elections during martial law is unconstitutional.
Elections Conditional on Security and Ceasefire
Zelensky stated that Ukraine is prepared to hold elections, but only when the country achieves sufficient stability and safety conditions. According to him, security must come before political processes.
“We will move toward elections when all relevant security guarantees are in place,” Zelensky said during a discussion with journalists. “It is very simple — establish a ceasefire, and there will be elections. First comes security, then politics.”
Martial Law Prevents Voting
Under the Ukrainian Constitution, national elections cannot be held while the country is under martial law, which was declared on February 24, 2022, the day Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The ongoing occupation of parts of Ukrainian territory by Russian forces has also created significant logistical and security challenges, making nationwide voting currently impossible.
Possibility of Ending Hostilities
Zelensky indicated that hostilities could potentially end by summer if Russia agrees to negotiations, although no final agreement has been reached.
Reports previously suggested that Ukraine was considering holding presidential elections within the next three months, allegedly under pressure from Washington. However, Zelensky reiterated that any election process must follow a peace agreement or ceasefire arrangement.
Territorial Issues and Referendum Possibility
The Ukrainian president also stressed that any potential peace agreement involving territorial concessions to Russia would need to be approved through a national referendum, reinforcing his position that such decisions must reflect public consent.
Legitimacy Debate and Public Opinion
Zelensky, elected in 2019 for a five-year presidential term, has faced ongoing criticism from Russia, which has questioned his legitimacy following the expiration of his mandate in 2024.
Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized Ukraine’s democratic status, claiming that the war has been used to delay elections. Ukrainian authorities, however, maintain that organizing elections during active conflict would pose serious security and logistical risks, including voting access for soldiers, displaced citizens, and refugees abroad.
Public opinion surveys suggest that many Ukrainians currently oppose holding elections during wartime, prioritizing national security and defense efforts.
