US President Donald Trump's statement suggesting that the time has come to hold presidential elections in Ukraine has triggered serious discussions in Kyiv. In response to this call, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, while speaking with the media, expressed his readiness to hold elections in the coming months if the necessary conditions are met.
Zelensky emphasized that elections can only be held if security is fully guaranteed. He requested practical assistance from the US and European countries to ensure a safe environment in locations where people would gather to vote. According to the President, if the necessary measures are taken, it is technically feasible to organize elections within 60–90 days.
Furthermore, Zelensky's second demand is also of great significance: a legal framework for holding elections during martial law must be established. He stated that he had submitted a proposal to amend the necessary laws to the deputies of the Verkhovna Rada. According to the current legislation, elections cannot be held in Ukraine during martial law.
For context, Trump had stated a day earlier that it was “already time for new elections” in Ukraine and accused Kyiv authorities of using the war as an excuse to delay the process. He argued that the Ukrainian people must have the right to choose and suggested that Zelensky could possibly win again in any upcoming elections. In Trump’s peace plan, there is also a provision for holding elections after the war concludes.
Since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion, martial law has been in effect in Ukraine, which led to the postponement of the presidential elections initially scheduled for 2024 to an indefinite date. Moscow has repeatedly used this situation to portray Zelensky as “illegitimate.”
The election issue has resurfaced following Trump's return to the White House. While some are demanding the elections take place, Kyiv has maintained a cautious stance, citing the dire situation on the frontlines and unresolved security concerns. Additionally, recent reports suggesting that the Verkhovna Rada is preparing for elections in 2025 have been officially denied.
Based on Zelensky's statement, it is evident that the Ukrainian leadership does not intend to halt democratic processes, but implementing them requires international guarantees and legal foundations.
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