Zelenskyy willing to hold elections in wartime, but Russia already has its answer prepared
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has unexpectedly signalled that Ukraine could hold presidential elections within months, even under martial law, provided that international partners help guarantee security and legal legitimacy. However, Moscow has already made it clear that such a move would not change its stance on Zelenskyy’s legitimacy.
Zelenskyy could be holding an election in Ukraine soon?
Zelenskyy’s presidential mandate formally expired in early 2024, but Ukraine’s constitution prohibits elections during martial law. As a result, he has remained in office as the country’s lawful leader while the war continues. Russia has repeatedly used this situation to label Zelenskyy an “illegitimate” president, arguing that no peace agreement can be signed with him.
In recent days, Zelenskyy has sought to counter this narrative by declaring that he is personally ready to stand in an election and that Ukraine could organise a vote within 60 to 90 days. Speaking at a press conference, he stressed that the issue of elections is primarily a matter for the Ukrainian people, not for foreign governments, while acknowledging that wartime conditions make such a process extremely complex.
He has only a few conditions
According to the Ukrainian president, two key obstacles must be addressed before elections can be held. The first is security: ensuring safe voting amid ongoing missile attacks, protecting polling stations, and guaranteeing voting rights for soldiers at the front, writes VG.hu.
The second is the legal framework, as current legislation and the constitution only allow elections and constitutional amendments in peacetime. Zelenskyy has therefore called on parliament to explore possible legal solutions and has asked Ukraine’s international partners, including the United States and European allies, to assist with security arrangements.
The announcement comes amid growing international debate over Ukraine’s democratic legitimacy, with former US President Donald Trump also having voiced criticism similar to Moscow’s arguments. Zelenskyy denied claims that he is clinging to power and insisted that he has no personal interest in prolonging the war for political reasons. He has previously stated that once peace is restored and martial law lifted, he does not intend to remain in office long-term.
Will Russia ever accept anything from the Ukrainian president?
Russia, however, has reacted sharply. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused Zelenskyy of attempting to pressure Western allies into backing his re-election, claiming that foreign involvement in organising the vote would prove Ukraine has lost its sovereignty. She also made it clear that Moscow would not recognise the results of any Ukrainian election held under these circumstances.
Taken together, the statements suggest that even if Ukraine proceeds with elections during wartime, Russia is unlikely to accept their outcome. While Zelenskyy appears willing to meet international and domestic calls for a democratic mandate, Moscow’s position indicates that the legitimacy dispute is set to continue regardless of whether Ukrainians go to the polls.