Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a meeting with representatives of the Verkhovna Rada, during which the possibility of holding elections during martial law was discussed. The head of state emphasized that he expects proposals and visions from the members of parliament regarding the organization of the electoral process under challenging security conditions.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Discussion of Elections During War
In his evening address, the president noted that the issue of elections under martial law is actively being discussed by international partners, particularly in Washington. According to Zelensky, Ukraine must provide clear legal answers to the questions and doubts that arise among partners regarding the possibility of holding elections during this period.
“Today I spoke with representatives of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. We spoke specifically. I will not allow any speculation against Ukraine; if partners, including our key partner in Washington, are talking so much and so specifically about elections in Ukraine, about elections under martial law, then we must provide legitimate Ukrainian answers to every question and every doubt.”
The president emphasized that resolving this issue is complex, and Ukraine does not need additional pressure in this area. He added that security challenges depend on international partners, particularly the United States, while political and legal challenges must be addressed domestically. Zelensky is confident that the Verkhovna Rada will submit its proposals soon.
Reactions from International Leaders and the Ban on Elections During Martial Law
It is worth noting that former U.S. President Donald Trump stated in a December interview that presidential elections need to be held in Ukraine, which, according to him, “have not taken place for a long time.” He also expressed the opinion that the Ukrainian authorities are using the war to postpone elections and thus are not adhering to democratic standards. In response, Volodymyr Zelensky expressed readiness for elections and called on the U.S. to help ensure their security.
Similar statements have been made by representatives of Russia, including Vladimir Putin, who believe that the Ukrainian authorities are illegitimate due to the absence of presidential elections in 2024. They also criticize the appointment of regional officials by the central government.
It should be noted that holding elections in Ukraine is prohibited during the period of martial law, which was introduced on February 24, 2022, in accordance with current legislation.