Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated in an interview during his visit to New York that he does not plan to remain in office during peacetime. According to Zelensky, his main goal is to end the war, not to participate further in elections.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Zelensky on Elections and His Future
During a conversation with journalists, Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that if a ceasefire agreement is reached, he will address the Ukrainian parliament with a request to organize elections. The president noted that he is ready to resign after the war ends if he considers his mission accomplished.
“My goal is to end the war,” not to continue running for office
Zelensky also mentioned that during his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on September 23, he stressed that if hostilities cease, this time could be used to organize the electoral process and send the appropriate signal to the Verkhovna Rada. The president added that he understands the public’s desire for “a leader with a new mandate” who can make important decisions for achieving lasting peace in Ukraine.
Elections During War: Challenges and Constitutional Restrictions
Zelensky acknowledges that organizing elections will be difficult due to security issues, but he believes it is possible under the right conditions. It should be noted that according to the Constitution of Ukraine, holding elections during martial law is explicitly prohibited. Currently, about 20% of Ukrainian territories remain under Russian occupation, and millions of citizens are internally displaced persons. Additionally, the entire territory of the country remains under threat of missile strikes from Moscow, which could pose an additional obstacle to organizing elections.
Volodymyr Zelensky was elected president in 2019 with a convincing majority. His five-year term was set to end in May 2024; however, due to the full-scale war, elections did not take place. Zelensky’s popularity significantly increased in the first months of the war, reaching about 90%. Despite some statements regarding a decline in support, most current polls show a rating of over 60%.