Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has postponed presidential and parliamentary elections. Under a constitutional clause tied to martial law, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s term—formally expired in May 2024—remains extended until nationwide polls can be held securely.
Martial Law: The Legal Foundation
Martial law was declared on February 24, 2022 and has been renewed every 90 days. The most recent renewal on December 9, 2025 explicitly prohibits nationwide elections. Both Ukrainian law and the constitution treat this extension as non-negotiable while roughly one-fifth of the country remains under Russian occupation and daily attacks on civilian infrastructure continue.
Debating Democracy Amid Conflict
Zelenskyy rejects claims that he is clinging to power, calling such suggestions "completely absurd." He argues that holding elections now would risk deepening divisions at a moment when national unity is crucial. Instead, he has proposed legal changes to enable secure voting—only after a ceasefire and international guarantees of safety.
U.S. President Donald Trump, in an interview on December 10, 2025, said "I think it's an important time to hold elections, they are using war as an excuse… they talk about a democracy but it gets to a point where it's no longer a democracy." European leaders including the UK’s Keir Starmer, France’s Emmanuel Macron and Germany’s Friedrich Merz have countered by pressing Trump to prioritize peace talks over immediate polls.
Public Sentiment: War Fatigue vs. Democratic Principles
Recent surveys reflect both war fatigue and caution about rushed elections. A September 2025 poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology found 63% of Ukrainians against immediate elections—even after a ceasefire. Meanwhile, November–December approval ratings from Info Sapiens and SOCIS show Zelenskyy’s trust dipping to around 20–25%.
In hypothetical first-round matchups, Zelenskyy now runs neck and neck with former commander in chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi. Former president Petro Poroshenko and other opposition figures trail far behind, suggesting a potential shake-up if polls were held under peaceful conditions.
Practical Hurdles on the Ground
Beyond politics, logistical challenges loom large:
- Millions of citizens are displaced abroad or in occupied areas.
- Front-line soldiers cannot safely reach polling stations.
- Regular missile and drone strikes make large gatherings too risky.
Zelenskyy argues that legal tweaks combined with foreign security assistance could clear the way for voting once a truce is in place.
Looking Ahead: Stability vs. Democracy
As Kyiv navigates Ukraine’s relationship with President Trump’s second administration, the debate over elections underscores a tension between wartime survival and democratic ideals. Zelenskyy has directly appealed to the United States and European allies for the security guarantees needed to revive Ukraine’s electoral calendar. For now, a majority of Ukrainians appear willing to wait until the guns fall silent.
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EXPLAINER: Why Ukraine postpones elections amid Russian conflict
cgtn.com
