This is reported by Kyiv24
President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine is ready to hold elections even during martial law if it would facilitate reaching a compromise in peace negotiations. During a briefing, the head of state emphasized that elections are an important signal to international partners, particularly the United States, regarding Ukraine’s commitment to dialogue and diplomatic resolution of the conflict.
Ukrainian Authorities Prepare for Possible Elections During War
Zelensky stressed that organizing elections during wartime is a challenging task due to security concerns and existing legislation. At the same time, he highlighted that there are no reasons to abandon the diplomatic path, and Ukraine should not appear as a party that avoids compromises.
“I have always said that it is very difficult to hold elections during war due to security and legal issues, but there can be no reasons that stop us on the diplomatic track. And I do not want us to be accused by the American side that Russia is making some compromises while Ukraine is not. Therefore, I said: we are ready for elections,” Zelensky explained.
The President emphasized that elections can only be held under conditions of a ceasefire and called on international partners to assist in providing the necessary infrastructure for their organization. Zelensky also noted that Ukraine must be prepared for electoral processes, even if the war continues.
Establishment of a Working Group and Key Issues of the Electoral Process
In December, a working group was formed to prepare a draft law on elections during martial law. It is headed by the First Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, Oleksandr Korniienko. The group consists of 64 members, including representatives from parliament, the president’s office, the government, military structures, the Central Election Commission, civil society organizations, the Supreme Court, and experts. The first meeting took place at the end of December, with the next one scheduled for the first half of January.
Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk emphasized that the group is considering all details of applying the Electoral Code in wartime conditions, including voting for military personnel, citizens abroad, conducting elections in temporarily occupied territories, and the participation of foreign observers. He noted that the law on elections during martial law will be of a one-time nature.
International attention to the issue of Ukrainian elections has increased following statements by U.S. President Donald Trump, who insists on the necessity of holding them for the legitimacy of the government. After this, Zelensky appealed to the U.S. to guarantee security for the organization of elections and discussed this issue with the leadership of the Verkhovna Rada.
The Russian Federation is also spreading disinformation about the illegitimacy of the Ukrainian government due to the absence of elections in 2024. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated at a press conference in Moscow that Russia is ready to consider the possibility of guaranteeing security during elections in Ukraine, although he emphasized that a ceasefire is not necessarily required for this.
According to current legislation, holding elections in Ukraine is currently prohibited during the martial law that has been in effect since February 24, 2022.