Zelenskyy outlines conditions under which elections will be held in Ukraine
Photo: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he is ready to take part in the elections, but holding them depends on two key conditions — security and changes to the legislation, he said this while responding to a question from journalists.
According to Zelenskyy, claims that the authorities are "clinging to power" and that this is allegedly why the war has not ended are completely unreasonable. He emphasized that elections can take place only if there are security guarantees for citizens.
"To hold elections, there are two issues — security, how to do it under strikes and missiles, and second — the legislative framework for the legitimacy of holding elections," the president said.
Zelenskyy stated that he is appealing to the US and European partners to help ensure the conditions needed for voting.
"I am ready for elections. Moreover, I am asking the US, together with European colleagues if needed, to ensure security for holding elections. Then, within 60–90 days, Ukraine will be ready to conduct them," he said.
The president also called on members of parliament to prepare legislative proposals on amendments to the election law during martial law. According to him, he expects relevant drafts in the near future.
"Tomorrow I will be in Ukraine, I am waiting for proposals from partners and MPs, and I am ready to go to elections," Zelenskyy concluded.
Trump’s demand
Earlier, US President Donald Trump said in an interview with Politico that presidential elections should be held in Ukraine. He believes Ukrainian officials are using the issue of the war to avoid new elections and claims that Ukraine "is no longer a democracy" because elections have not taken place for a long time.
Zelenskyy later stated that he is ready to hold presidential elections.
European Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper responded by saying that elections are only possible when circumstances allow, as Russia continues its war against Ukraine.
Earlier, the media published the initial 28-point version of the US peace plan, in which one of the points provided for elections in Ukraine 100 days after the end of the war. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin refuses to conclude a peace agreement with Ukraine, citing the "illegitimacy" of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Holding early presidential and parliamentary elections during martial law in Ukraine is theoretically possible, but organizing a vote under such conditions carries high risks for political stability. The main threat is the lack of security guarantees for voters due to constant shelling across the entire country.
Regular local elections were scheduled for October 26, but martial law made their conduct impossible. Earlier, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is ready for elections, but they are only possible after a full ceasefire on land, in the air, and at sea.
