Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated his readiness to hold elections, a significant declaration made on December 9, 2025, amidst ongoing conflict with Russia. This stance comes as figures, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, have questioned Ukraine's democratic processes due to the absence of wartime elections.
Zelenskyy emphasized that while he is personally prepared, the ultimate decision rests with the Ukrainian people, not external actors. He has sought assistance from the United States and European partners to ensure the necessary security conditions for a safe vote, given the persistent Russian air strikes.
However, holding elections presents substantial legal and logistical hurdles. Ukrainian law explicitly prohibits elections during martial law, which has been in effect since February 2022. While Zelenskyy expressed an intent to urge parliament to amend this law, constitutional amendments are not permitted during wartime, creating a complex legal dilemma.
Logistically, conducting a free and fair election would be a monumental task. Provisions would need to be made for soldiers on the front lines, millions of internally displaced persons, and those residing in Russian-occupied territories to cast their ballots securely and anonymously.
Public opinion within Ukraine largely opposes wartime elections. A September-October 2024 survey by the Rating sociological group indicated significant public opposition to holding votes under current conditions. The last presidential election was in April 2019, with the next originally scheduled for March or April 2024, and parliamentary elections in October 2024, none of which occurred due to the conflict.
Key Election Challenges
| Challenge Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Legal | Constitutional prohibition of elections during martial law. |
| Security | Ensuring safety from daily Russian attacks for voters and polling stations. |
| Logistical | Enabling voting for soldiers, displaced citizens, and those in occupied territories. |
| Public Opinion | Domestic opposition to holding elections during wartime. |
Should security guarantees and legal adjustments be met, Ukraine could potentially be ready for elections within 60 to 90 days, though overcoming these obstacles remains a formidable challenge.