After being questioned by U.S. President Trump on whether Ukraine will hold democratic elections to select its next president, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded on December 9 by stating that elections could take place "within 60 to 90 days" if Ukraine received security guarantees from the U.S. and Europe and a timeline to end the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war.
Ukraine originally planned to hold presidential elections in the spring of 2024, but the martial law activated following Russia's invasion prevents the country from holding presidential, parliamentary, or local elections.
U.S.-Ukraine relations have become particularly tense over the question of elections, with Donald Trump Jr. accusing Zelensky of prolonging the war to stay in power at a recent conference in Doha.
He suggested that if the conflict continues indefinitely, Trump might choose to "walk away" from Ukraine.
Trump noted in the same interview that the decision to postpone Ukraine's elections raises questions about the legitimacy of its democracy. Washington has also simultaneously pressured Kyiv to relinquish territorial rights to the Donbas in order to secure peace with Moscow, an idea Ukrainian leaders oppose.
In response, Zelensky said he is "ready" to initiate the election process and will fully assess viable methods in the coming months, while seeking assistance from the U.S. and European countries to ensure the safety and integrity of elections.
His latest statement already shows concessions from a previous insistence on holding elections after the war was formally concluded.
Challenges to Conducting Elections During Wartime
Zelensky pointed out two critical challenges to holding elections during wartime.
Firstly, logistical issues remain unresolved as frontline soldiers are dispersed across various locations, millions are displaced both domestically and abroad, and residents in occupied areas face restricted movement. As of now, there is no feasible arrangement to enable these individuals to vote.
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Secondly, Russian attacks continue unabated. If missile or drone strikes occur on election day, even opening polling stations would be questionable, highlighting the need for international intervention to reduce risks. Furthermore, martial law has yet to be lifted, and current legislation does not allow elections to be held, prompting him to urge parliament to promptly propose relevant legal amendments.
The opposition is not eager for a change in government either. Holos party member Serhiy Rakhmanin bluntly stated that holding elections now "would only cause harm" as the commander-in-chief is currently leading the country through an invasion. Many believe that elections at this time would only play into Russia's hands, regardless of individual opinions about Zelensky.
Such views are not uncommon. The latest survey by Kyiv International Institute of Sociology indicates that only 22% of the population supports holding elections under a ceasefire with security assurances, while 63% think elections should wait until the war truly ends.
The mood remains sensitive for another reason. Ukraine recently witnessed the largest corruption scandal since Zelensky took office, and recent polls reflect a sense of unease, with only 20.3% of voters willing to vote for Zelensky in future elections.
You've read it. Now let's talk. Follow us on X. Editor: Chase Bodiford
