Ukrainians don't want to talk about elections until the war ends — Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Ukrainians are not focused on elections or lifting martial law until the war with Russia ends, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said at the Munich Security Conference on Feb. 15.
“I’m open to discussing elections, but Ukrainians overwhelmingly oppose them because they fear it would end martial law, bring soldiers home, and allow Vladimir Putin to seize our entire territory. That’s why we remain mobilized — we are one unified country,” Zelenskyy said.
He stressed that the issue is not about him personally but about ensuring Ukraine’s survival, independence, and the protection of its people.
“If someone doesn’t like that, they are free to choose another citizenship,” he added.
Zelenskyy said his priority remains Ukraine’s survival.
Zelenskyy's legitimacy and elections during war
On Oct. 5, 2023, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said elections could be held during martial law if legislation was amended and voting could be safely organized for all Ukrainians, including those abroad and on the front lines.
On May 25, 2024, Zelenskyy dismissed Russian claims about the alleged “illegitimacy” of Ukraine’s government, saying they did not concern him.
In July, he stated that if the war dragged on, a way to hold elections would eventually need to be found.
On Jan. 2, 2025, Zelenskyy said elections could take place only after active hostilities ended, when Ukraine had a strong position and a powerful army. Until then, both he and the Verkhovna Rada remained legitimate. He suggested elections could happen in 2025 if hostilities ceased, Ukraine’s position was strengthened, and security guarantees were in place. He added that lifting martial law would then be up to parliament.
On Feb. 1, U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, said elections should be held if a ceasefire was reached in the coming months.
On Feb. 3, Zelenskyy’s communications adviser, Dmytro Lytvyn, called U.S. suggestions for elections by year’s end amid a ceasefire a “failed plan” if that was the sole strategy.
On Feb. 6, Kellogg said holding elections during wartime was a marker of a democratic state but added that Ukraine should not do so now, as it would violate its Constitution.
Under Ukraine’s Constitution, the next presidential election was scheduled for March 31, 2024. Zelenskyy’s five-year term, as defined by the Constitution, expired on May 20, 2024.
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