Stefanchuk: Elections possible only after war, but preparations are underway

“We’re working. We’re not activating the law right now because any such move stirs up public speculation that elections will happen tomorrow,” he emphasized.

According to Stefanchuk, lawmakers are currently focused on resolving key aspects of organizing the electoral process, including participation of military personnel, voting rights for Ukrainians abroad, access for international observers, and election funding.

In March 2025, Central Election Commission Chair Oleh Didenko stated that current legislation sets clear deadlines for elections after martial law is lifted: parliamentary elections must be held within 60 days, and presidential elections within 90.

However, due to the new challenges posed by Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine will need to adapt its electoral procedures.

A draft bill, No. 13464, has been registered in parliament. It could potentially allow elections to be held during martial law. The explanatory note says the bill aims to adapt electoral legislation to wartime conditions.

On June 25, the results of a joint study showed that 57.6% of Ukrainians believe elections should be held if talks with Russia result in a temporary ceasefire and martial law is lifted.