Ukrainian authorities have settled the debate surrounding the timing of the Ukrainian presidential elections , amid the ongoing bloody war with Russia, with a high-ranking official in Kyiv confirming that this democratic process will only take place when the security situation fully allows it.
Security first: Kyiv's fundamental condition
In remarks to AFP, the Ukrainian official explained that his country, which is waging an existential war against Russian forces, rejects the idea of holding elections "hastily" without genuine security guarantees. "Elections should be held as soon as possible, but not before the security situation allows," the official said, noting that currently "there is no indication that Russia is interested in ending the war," making the opening of polling stations a significant risk to civilian lives.
Between Western pressures and the reality on the ground
These statements come in response to media reports, most notably one published by the Financial Times, which quoted unnamed sources as saying that Kyiv is considering holding presidential elections within the next three months under US pressure to bolster democratic legitimacy. However, observers believe that holding elections while Russia controls approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory and millions have fled the country presents a near-impossible logistical and legal challenge.
Constitutional and logistical obstacles
Legally, Ukraine is currently under martial law, imposed since the start of the Russian invasion in February 2022. The Ukrainian constitution explicitly prohibits any elections (parliamentary or presidential) during martial law. Furthermore, the dilemma of allowing soldiers on the front lines to vote, and how to guarantee the right to vote for the millions of Ukrainian refugees scattered across Europe and the world, raises serious questions about the fairness and inclusiveness of any election held under fire.
Zelensky's position: Peace before the ballot boxes
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated, in the context of US-sponsored peace negotiations, that his country would hold elections "as soon as possible," but conditionally linked this to the signing of an agreement to end the war. Zelenskyy believes that the top priority now is preserving and defending the country's unity, and that elections require substantial funding and a secure environment, which are currently lacking due to the ongoing shelling.
It is worth noting that President Zelensky's term officially ended last May, but he continues in office under the constitution and martial law until a new president is elected. This is a situation that Russian propaganda is trying to exploit to question his legitimacy, making the election issue a sensitive political issue as much as it is a constitutional entitlement.
