Holding elections in Ukraine during the war remains impossible due to legislative restrictions and significant security risks. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a press conference at the forum ‘Ukraine. Year 2025’.
According to him, the topic of elections is actively promoted by Russia, while Ukraine’s international partners have never officially raised this issue.
“The issue of elections was raised by the Russian Federation. It was also voiced in the United States, but our partners have never initiated a discussion of this topic,’ Zelenskyy said.
Security and democracy are key challenges
The President stressed that even if elections were organised, security would remain the top priority.
“To hold democratic elections, we must guarantee their security so that the results are recognised. How will people vote at the frontline or in the evacuated areas? This is contrary to the law and the Constitution. The most important thing is security,’ Zelenskyy stressed.
The Head of State cited the example of a night attack when Russia launched 267 drones at Ukraine. This, he said, demonstrates the true intentions of Russia, which is trying to create chaos rather than seek peace.
Elections on the frontline and in the frontline areas are impossible
The President noted that holding elections in the frontline territories, particularly in Sumy and Kharkiv regions or in Kupiansk, was extremely difficult.
“How to organise elections where people are being evacuated? How will the military on the front line vote? Who will control the process in the war zones? Will international observers be able to work, for example, in Pokrovsk?’ Zelensky asked a number of rhetorical questions.
He also noted that a significant number of Ukrainians are abroad, and organising polling stations for them requires significant resources and time.
Risks from Russia and legal restrictions
Zelenskyy paid special attention to the problem of holding elections in the temporarily occupied territories, stressing that Russia could try to interfere in the process.
He also reminded that elections are not possible during martial law, and that cancelling it for the sake of voting would lead to a significant number of military personnel being forced to leave their positions.
‘This can create critical gaps in defence that Russia will certainly take advantage of,’ the President stressed.
Disinformation and attempts at pressure
Zelenskyy expressed concern that certain information messages coming from some international partners could be part of a disinformation campaign.
“I do not believe that President Trump personally supports such ideas. These are most likely manipulations aimed at weakening our position. We appreciate the strategic support of our partners, so it is important to distinguish truthful information from hostile propaganda,’ Zelenskyy concluded.