Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that holding elections while the country is still at war with Russia could “destroy” or split Ukraine, rejecting calls for a wartime vote.
His comments came after former Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov called for elections despite the ongoing war. Fedorov argued that Ukraine should find a way to restore the full democratic process even during the conflict.
Zelenskyy said elections under current conditions would pose major security and logistical challenges. Millions of Ukrainians are displaced or living abroad, some territories remain occupied by Russia, and soldiers at the front would face difficulties participating. Ukrainian law also prohibits elections while martial law is in force.
The president said his priority is to end the war and preserve Ukraine as an independent and sovereign state before holding elections. He argued that without adequate security guarantees, an election could deepen political divisions rather than strengthen democracy.
The issue has become politically sensitive as Ukraine faces continued Russian attacks and internal political tensions. A recent poll cited by Reuters found that 57% of Ukrainians preferred elections to be held only after the fighting ends.