Elections during wartime can only be an imitation and are impossible without ensuring security, claims the analyst.

Ongoing Discussions in Ukraine Regarding Elections During the War with Russia

Olha Kotsiuruba, Senior Advisor at the Civic Network OPORA, stated that holding elections during Russian aggression without ensuring security cannot be considered a true expression of the will of Ukrainian citizens.

Olha Kotsiuruba, Senior Advisor at OPORA, emphasized that the Ukrainian Constitution prohibits holding elections during the period of martial law. Elections must meet international standards, being free, fair, and genuine. Without the state’s ability to ensure the safety of all participants in the electoral process—members of election commissions, candidates, observers, and voters—such elections are merely an imitation.

Kotsiuruba highlighted that security concerns relate to both campaigning activities and preparations for voting, ballot transportation, and election observation. Additional restrictions due to martial law, such as curfew and safety protocols during air raids, make the democratic election process impossible.

Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelensky responded to Donald Trump’s statements by noting that he is “always ready” for elections but urged the United States to ensure necessary security conditions. Work on legislative changes for holding elections during the war has already begun in Ukraine, as stated by representatives of the Servant of the People party. MP Oleksandr Merezhko added that these discussions could strengthen Ukraine’s position in negotiations with the United States.