Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the issue of holding elections during wartime requires answers from partners: whether it is about a democratic procedure or an attempt to “replace” the sitting president. He also said Russia is interested in changing Ukraine’s leadership and could use various tools to achieve that.
Zelenskyy stressed that he does not rule out U.S. proposals if they could bring peace closer, and that even in the event of a short ceasefire he would be ready to speak with the Verkhovna Rada about decisions that currently lack support. At the same time, he noted that a two-month ceasefire would not mean the end of the war, and that society, in his assessment, does not support elections during active hostilities.
The president separately pointed out that organizing a nationwide vote during the war is difficult — both in terms of security and procedures — since decisions in Ukraine’s political system are made through parliamentary mechanisms, not “by decree.”
Elections in Ukraine during the war
In December 2025, parliamentary speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk approved the creation of a working group to explore the possibility of holding elections, appointing Oleksandr Kornienko as its head. Later, Servant of the People faction leader Davyd Arakhamia said the Central Election Commission had resumed operation of the State Register of Voters, which may indicate gradual preparations for elections.
On Jan. 7, 2026, Zelenskyy said preparations to amend legislation on elections and referendums could begin in February, depending on peace talks.
On Jan. 20, Kornienko said the Verkhovna Rada is considering options for holding elections in Ukraine during a special period. Seven subgroups are working on the issue across different thematic areas.
The Ukrainian president said he is ready to hold elections amid pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has urged Ukraine to hold presidential elections and in 2025 echoed Russian propaganda narratives by calling Zelenskyy a “dictator without elections.”