Elections in Ukraine in 2025: Expert assesses likelihood of media rumors
Illustrative photo: presidential elections in Ukraine in spring 2025 are unlikely (Getty Images)
Rumors have emerged in the media suggesting that Ukraine's presidential elections could be held as early as spring 2025. However, such a development is unlikely, according to The Economist and an exclusive comment from political scientist Ihor Reiterovych for RBC-Ukraine's YouTube channel.
What The Economist wrote
According to the news agency, the early date for the presidential elections being discussed in Kyiv is May 25, 2025.
The Economist also claims that preparations for the elections in Ukraine have allegedly already begun. In particular, regional election headquarters "have started working on candidate lists."
Meanwhile, the Office of the President of Ukraine denies these rumors.
Political analyst's reaction
Political scientist Ihor Reiterovych noted that he could hypothetically imagine a ceasefire a few months after Donald Trump's inauguration, followed by the start of negotiations.
"But holding elections in Ukraine just two or three months after a ceasefire seems like an unlikely idea to me. Let me explain why. There are both objective and subjective factors at play," he added.
According to the expert, the objective factor is that there is a decision from the Verkhovna Rada stating that elections in Ukraine cannot take place earlier than six months after the end of martial law. This is necessary to verify all registers and give parties time to conduct election campaigns.
As Reiterovych pointed out, the subjective factor is that martial law may not be lifted the day after a hypothetical ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia.
This legal regime could last for at least several more weeks, as it will be necessary to conduct checks along the line of separation, initiate demobilization and mobilization processes, and more.
"So, if the question of elections is raised in 2025, it is most likely to happen toward the end of the year — around the fall. Unfortunately, it won't work as quickly as The Economist suggests," the political scientist concluded.
Earlier, an interlocutor from the Servant of the People party told RBC-Ukraine that some officials consider holding elections next year to be possible.
