Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Wednesday that he had discussed legal and practical matters regarding elections with Ukraine’s parliament. His comments came in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestion that Ukraine’s government was using the ongoing war as an excuse to delay elections. Zelenskyy urged countries, including the U.S., not to apply pressure on Ukraine regarding the issue.
Zelenskyy reiterated his readiness to hold elections within three months, provided that security for the vote could be guaranteed by Ukraine’s allies. He emphasized the need for legal and political solutions from Ukraine, stating that Ukraine would provide clear answers to any concerns raised about elections during martial law. He also highlighted the significant security challenges, stressing that the U.S. and other partners would play a crucial role in ensuring election security.
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In his nightly video address, Zelenskyy said that while wartime elections are legally prohibited, Ukraine was working to address the complex issues raised by the U.S. and other international partners. He noted that political and legal challenges needed to be tackled within Ukraine, and he rejected external pressure on the issue.
The suggestion to hold elections has been met with skepticism from Ukrainian officials, given the ongoing conflict with Russia, frequent airstrikes, and the displacement of millions of citizens. Zelenskyy’s term officially expired last year, but holding elections amid such conditions presents significant risks, especially with nearly a million Ukrainian troops on the frontlines.
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As the war continues into its fourth year, Zelenskyy and his government have dismissed the idea of holding elections under such precarious circumstances, stating that security must come first before any democratic processes can take place.