Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced just last week that he is prepared to see those elections take place within three months. His announcement comes during bloodshed in Israel-Palestine and as the White House is feeling increased diplomatic pressure. Zelenskyy’s five-year term expired in May of last year. Though the Ukrainian constitution forbids elections during a state of war, he’s reportedly already working behind the scenes to change this legislation to permit a vote.
The urgency for elections has intensified as Zelenskyy navigates a complex political landscape marked by security concerns and the realities of martial law. His political opponents say the current security situation has rendered elections impractical. Zelenskyy remains firm in his position. He tweeted, “I’m expecting proposals from partners and our MPs, and I’m prepared to go to extraordinary elections.”
In a recent conversation, Zelenskyy stressed the importance of speaking with allies to determine the best way to protect the elections. He highlighted two critical questions that must be addressed: the logistics of enabling soldiers, millions of displaced individuals, and those living under occupation to vote, and the legal framework necessary to hold elections amidst martial law.
Zelenskyy aims to organize a high-level meeting with U.S. officials within the next two weeks to discuss a potential peace deal. This is all happening as the White House has allegedly ramped up pressure on Kyiv to enter negotiations. The president’s diplomatic tour of European capitals reflects his determination to enlist international support for Ukraine’s evolving and democratic approach to elections.
Even with all the hurdles, Zelenskyy is hopeful that at least some form of election can be held in the coming months or years. He stated, “Since this question is raised today by the president of the United States of America, our partners, I will answer very briefly: look, I am ready for elections.” His call for a vote reflects a desire to reaffirm democratic processes in Ukraine, even as the country grapples with ongoing military challenges.
Yet political analysts caution that Zelenskyy’s preparation for a new round of elections isn’t well received all around. Many lawmakers and security experts have warned of the consequences of rushing into a vote, urging time for more comprehensive preparations. Unity is the key. Serhiy Rakhmanin, member of Ukraine’s parliament, put great stress on unity. He said, “He’s the commander-in-chief, and we can’t let personal considerations come into play—that would only help the enemy.”
The logistical hurdles related to conducting elections in wartime are immense. Millions of Ukrainians have been displaced due to the ongoing conflict, raising concerns about their ability to participate in any electoral process. Holding a vote under martial law raises legal and constitutional issues which must be thought out and strategized delicately.
Elections may be possible after all Zelenskyy has pledged to leave no stone unturned in his pursuit of holding elections in the months ahead. He is convinced that concerted action from across Parliament and our allies abroad can carry us through these challenges. With their support, we can lay out a truly democratic foundation for how Americans vote. This is a question for the citizens of Ukraine, as he claimed with his lawsuit. With all due respect to our partners, it does not take into consideration people from other states.
While international observers continue to monitor the situation closely, Zelenskyy’s insistence on pursuing elections demonstrates his determination to uphold democratic values amid adversity. The next few months will be critical in determining whether Ukraine can successfully hold elections while addressing pressing security concerns.