Zelensky warns elections during war could split Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has declared that holding elections during the ongoing war could lead to the disintegration of the country. He emphasized, “If we want to ruin the country, we could move towards elections in such a time of war.”
Zelensky referred to the pressure from various quarters to push for elections approximately a year ago. At that time, he expressed his willingness to discuss the possibility, provided that conditions set by partners would ensure a safe, legitimate, and democratic voting process without the increasing bombings and military involvement in frontline areas.
He pointed out that no concrete proposals had been offered at that time to facilitate such an election under the current conditions, notably due to the ongoing aggression from Russia, led by illegitimate President Vladimir Putin, who rejects any ceasefire options. Zelensky remarked that elections right now would pose significant risks, describing them as a “tsunami for the state” that could further divide Ukraine.
The President reiterated his commitment to steering the nation towards the conclusion of the war while maintaining Ukraine’s independence and sovereignty, stating that he is dedicated to this strategy.
Context
- Western partners have suggested the necessity of conducting elections in Ukraine by 2024, but Zelensky has noted that amendments to the Electoral Code and funding for the election organization are required. To ensure legitimacy, observers must also be deployed to the front lines.
- On December 22, 2025, the Ukrainian Parliament began preparing a draft law on elections during wartime, according to Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk, indicating that the new law would be for one-time use. Olga Aivazovska, head of the civil network OPORA, mentioned that the legislation for post-war elections is approximately 65% complete.
- On August 18, 2026, former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov highlighted key challenges facing the state during the protracted conflict in a YouTube address, addressing issues of governance, corruption, and the restoration of democratic processes, while stressing the need for a lawful and safe mechanism for elections.
- The Financial Times cited sources among parliamentarians, suggesting that Fedorov’s address might have been an attempt to delay the approval of Yevhenii Khmara as the Defense Minister, a candidate whose nomination was ultimately supported by the Rada on August 19.
