The date of the presidential elections in Ukraine: Kyiv settles the debate
A high-ranking Ukrainian official in the capital, Kyiv, confirmed that Ukraine, which is waging a fierce defensive war against the Russian invasion, will not hold presidential elections until the security situation fully allows it, categorically rejecting the idea of holding this constitutional entitlement hastily or under external pressure.
Security before politics: Kyiv's official position
In remarks to AFP, the official explained that the top priority now is the survival of the state and the safety of its citizens. He said, "Elections must be held as soon as possible, but not before the security situation allows. Currently, there is no indication that Russia is interested in ending the war or stopping the targeting of civilian areas," noting that holding elections under bombardment is an incalculable risk that could endanger the lives of voters and undermine the legitimacy of the democratic process.
Western pressures and international press reports
These statements come in response to Western media reports, including one from the Financial Times citing unnamed sources, that Ukraine is considering holding presidential elections within the next three months, driven by US pressure to bolster the democratic legitimacy of the Ukrainian leadership. However, the official response from Kyiv emphasized that the realities on the ground dictate the political timelines.
Constitutional and logistical obstacles
Legally and constitutionally, Ukraine has been under martial law since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion in February 2022. The Ukrainian constitution explicitly suspends all elections (parliamentary or presidential) while martial law is in effect. Although President Volodymyr Zelensky's constitutional term officially ended last May, the constitution allows the current administration to remain in power to ensure the country's stability during wartime—a position supported by Western allies despite Russian propaganda attempts to undermine the president's legitimacy.
Challenges of voter participation
In addition to the legal and security obstacles, Kyiv faces a massive logistical dilemma that makes holding elections virtually impossible at present. Millions of Ukrainians have fled the country as refugees in Europe and around the world, and hundreds of thousands of soldiers are stationed on the front lines who cannot leave their trenches to vote. The question of how citizens in areas under Russian occupation or near the contact line can vote presents an additional challenge that cannot be resolved without a comprehensive ceasefire.
Zelensky's position: Just peace first
Last December, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated, within the framework of US-sponsored peace negotiations, that his country was committed to the democratic path and would hold presidential elections as soon as possible, but that this was conditional on signing an agreement to end the war that would guarantee the country’s security and sovereignty, thus allowing for a fair and transparent electoral process in which all Ukrainians could participate without fear.
