“We have reached consensus on the impossibility of holding elections during martial law,” Korniyenko stated.
Major tasks remain, including ensuring participation by Ukrainians abroad, developing effective voting mechanisms for active-duty defenders, addressing parliamentary elections and securing funding for postwar polls.
A working group tasked with drafting legislative proposals on organizing elections during a special period and/or postwar conditions began work in December 2025, the Rada press service added.
Elections in Ukraine
On Dec. 9, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump told Politico that Ukraine should hold presidential elections and did not rule out a victory for President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
"I think the time has come. I think itʼs an important time to hold elections," he said. “Theyʼre using the war to not hold elections, but I think the Ukrainian people should have that choice.”
Zelenskyy responded that he was ready in principle but highlighted unresolved issues of security, military voting and a legal framework for legitimacy.
On Dec. 23, 2025, Verkhovna Rada Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk approved creation of the working group, chaired by Korniyenko. Later, Servant of the People faction leader David Arakhamia said the Central Election Commission had resumed work on the State Voters Register.
On Jan. 7, 2026, Zelenskyy indicated possible legislative changes on elections and referendums could begin in February, depending on peace talks.
On Feb. 24, Stefanchuk said the postwar election bill being prepared by the group would soon reach parliament, allowing Ukraine to set a timeline.
On March 19, The Times reported that Ukraine’s Central Election Commission concluded elections should not occur this year, potentially putting Kyiv on a collision course with the United States.