If the US and Europe ensure security, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is ready to hold elections within 60 to 90 days, even during the ongoing war with Russia.
Dec 10, 2025, 02:31Dec 10, 2025, 02:31
“I personally have the will and willingness to do this,” the head of state told journalists, as the Interfax-Ukraine news agency reported. In addition to the security issue, the electoral law also needs to be adjusted. He therefore asked the members of his group to prepare appropriate changes to the law.
Volodymyr Zelensky is ready to organize elections if their fairness is ensured.Image: keystone
The Ukrainian law on martial law so far expressly prohibits the holding of presidential, parliamentary and local elections. The law can be changed, but the constitution does not provide for parliamentary elections until martial law is lifted. Constitutional amendments are prohibited during martial law.
There have been no elections in Ukraine since the 2022 Russian invasion. The president’s regular term expired in May 2024 and that of parliament in August 2024. Local elections should have taken place at the end of October 2025.
Not a Ukrainian peculiarity
The fact that there can be no new elections under the current martial law is not a Ukrainian peculiarity, but rather common practice in many countries around the world. This is also the case in Germany, for example. Article 115h of the Basic Law stipulates that an electoral period of the Bundestag only ends six months after the end of the defense situation if it would otherwise expire in time of war. There is also a six month delay in the terms of office of members of the Federal Constitutional Court, and in the case of the Federal President even nine months.
US President Donald Trump had previously spoken out in favor of holding elections in the war-torn country. Trump had accused Zelenskyj months ago of being a “dictator” and not democratically legitimized – with which the US President adopted the Kremlin’s style.
Kiev, on the other hand, emphasizes that the presidential powers remain in force under the current martial law – and that there have been six different presidents in Ukraine since 1991, but only two in Russia.
At the same time, there are concerns in Ukraine that Russia could manipulate elections in the neighboring country and bring a puppet government loyal to the Kremlin to power. The question of how participation of all Ukrainians eligible to vote in the election can be guaranteed is also unclear. According to the UN, more than 5.8 million Ukrainians have fled the country. Several million Ukrainian citizens live in the territories occupied by Russia. (sda/dpa)