Zelenskyy Open to Wartime Elections Amidst International Scrutiny
Published 9 December 2025
Highlights
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed readiness to hold elections within 60 to 90 days if security is guaranteed by international partners.
- Elections in Ukraine have been suspended since the Russian invasion, with martial law prohibiting them during wartime.
- Former US President Donald Trump criticized Ukraine's democratic process, suggesting Zelenskyy is avoiding elections to maintain power.
- Zelenskyy emphasized that the decision to hold elections should be made by Ukrainians, not influenced by foreign leaders.
- Ukrainian opposition and public opinion largely oppose elections during the ongoing conflict, prioritizing unity and security.
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Rewritten Article
Zelenskyy Open to Wartime Elections Amidst International Scrutiny
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signaled his willingness to conduct elections within the next three months, contingent upon security assurances from international allies. This announcement comes in response to former US President Donald Trump's remarks questioning Ukraine's democratic integrity and suggesting that Zelenskyy is deliberately avoiding elections to retain power.
Elections Under Martial Law
Since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine has been under martial law, which constitutionally prohibits elections during wartime. Zelenskyy's term was set to conclude in May 2024, but the ongoing conflict has necessitated the suspension of electoral processes. Despite Trump's assertions, Zelenskyy maintains that the decision to hold elections rests with the Ukrainian people, emphasizing the need for security guarantees from the United States and European partners.
Challenges and Opposition
The logistical challenges of conducting elections during wartime are significant, with millions displaced and soldiers actively engaged on the front lines. Ukrainian opposition figures and the public have expressed concerns that elections could undermine national unity and benefit adversaries. A March poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology revealed that 78% of Ukrainians oppose holding elections even after a complete settlement of the war.
International and Domestic Reactions
Zelenskyy has called for proposals from both international allies and Ukrainian lawmakers to explore legal amendments that would facilitate elections under current conditions. He stressed the importance of ensuring that all Ukrainians, including those in occupied territories, can participate in a fair electoral process. Opposition MP Lesia Vasylenko highlighted the historical precedent of suspending elections during wartime, citing the UK's experience during World War Two.
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Scenario Analysis
The prospect of holding elections in Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict presents complex legal and logistical challenges. If international partners can provide the necessary security guarantees, it may pave the way for a democratic process that includes all Ukrainians. However, the risk of exacerbating political divisions and providing leverage to adversaries remains a concern. As Ukraine navigates these challenges, the international community's role in supporting a secure and fair electoral process will be crucial. The outcome of these discussions could significantly impact Ukraine's political landscape and its ongoing efforts to achieve peace.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signaled his willingness to conduct elections within the next three months, contingent upon security assurances from international allies. This announcement comes in response to former US President Donald Trump's remarks questioning Ukraine's democratic integrity and suggesting that Zelenskyy is deliberately avoiding elections to retain power.
Elections Under Martial Law
Since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine has been under martial law, which constitutionally prohibits elections during wartime. Zelenskyy's term was set to conclude in May 2024, but the ongoing conflict has necessitated the suspension of electoral processes. Despite Trump's assertions, Zelenskyy maintains that the decision to hold elections rests with the Ukrainian people, emphasizing the need for security guarantees from the United States and European partners.
Challenges and Opposition
The logistical challenges of conducting elections during wartime are significant, with millions displaced and soldiers actively engaged on the front lines. Ukrainian opposition figures and the public have expressed concerns that elections could undermine national unity and benefit adversaries. A March poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology revealed that 78% of Ukrainians oppose holding elections even after a complete settlement of the war.
International and Domestic Reactions
Zelenskyy has called for proposals from both international allies and Ukrainian lawmakers to explore legal amendments that would facilitate elections under current conditions. He stressed the importance of ensuring that all Ukrainians, including those in occupied territories, can participate in a fair electoral process. Opposition MP Lesia Vasylenko highlighted the historical precedent of suspending elections during wartime, citing the UK's experience during World War Two.
What this might mean
The prospect of holding elections in Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict presents complex legal and logistical challenges. If international partners can provide the necessary security guarantees, it may pave the way for a democratic process that includes all Ukrainians. However, the risk of exacerbating political divisions and providing leverage to adversaries remains a concern. As Ukraine navigates these challenges, the international community's role in supporting a secure and fair electoral process will be crucial. The outcome of these discussions could significantly impact Ukraine's political landscape and its ongoing efforts to achieve peace.
