Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said he is prepared to hold an election within three months, even as the country continues to fight Russia. His comments came after US President Donald Trump suggested that Zelenskyy was staying in office for too long.
Zelenskyy responded firmly. He said, “This is a question for the people of Ukraine, not people from other states, with all due respect to our partners.”
He added, “Since this question is raised today by the president of the United States of America, our partners, I will answer very briefly: look, I am ready for elections.”
He clarified that he has no personal objection to holding polls. However, Ukraine would need “security” guarantees from its allies to safely conduct a nationwide vote. Only with those assurances, he said, could the country organise an election within the next three months.
What Trump Said About Ukraine’s Democracy
Trump questioned Ukraine’s democratic credibility in an interview with Politico. He said, “They haven’t had an election in a long time. You know, they talk about a democracy, but it gets to a point where it’s not a democracy any more.”
Zelenskyy’s five-year term officially ended last May. But Ukraine’s constitution forbids elections during wartime. Even Zelenskyy’s critics agree that the current conditions—ongoing fighting, security risks, and political instability—make an election impossible.
Serhiy Rakhmanin, an opposition MP from the Holos party, stressed that calling for polls now would be harmful. He said, “It would only cause harm. He’s the commander-in-chief, and the country is in a position where we don’t have that luxury, whatever issues we might have with him. It would only help the enemy.”
Russia Uses the Issue to Question Kyiv’s Legitimacy
Russian President Vladimir Putin has also attacked Ukraine’s political system. He argued that Ukraine’s leaders lack legitimacy. Last month, he claimed that there is no reason to negotiate with them under the current circumstances.
Zelenskyy Seeks Guidance on How to Conduct Wartime Polls
Zelenskyy explained that two major problems must be solved before any election can happen. First is the logistical challenge. Ukraine needs a safe way for soldiers, displaced citizens, and people living under Russian occupation to vote. Second is the legal challenge. The government must determine how to hold elections while martial law remains in force.
He asked Ukraine’s allies for advice on securing the voting process. He also requested guidance from MPs on how to amend the law if needed. Zelenskyy said, “I am waiting for proposals from partners, I am waiting for proposals from our MPs, and I am ready to go to the elections.”