Archive · 23 Aug 2026
Zelensky Rejects Wartime Elections, Calls Vote Huge Risk
Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine should not hold national elections while the war with Russia continues.
He called a wartime vote a very large risk that could divide the country.
Ukraine has paused elections because martial law is in effect.
Former Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said Ukraine should find a safe and legal way to hold elections.
He argued that Russia should not be allowed to stop Ukraine’s democratic process.
Zelensky said no partners had offered a reliable plan for a safe election.
Experts said it would be difficult for soldiers, refugees and people in occupied areas to vote.
They also warned that Russia could spread false information.
A poll found that only 15 percent of Ukrainians supported holding elections before the fighting ended.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said holding elections during Russia’s invasion could split Ukraine and threaten its stability.
Ukraine has suspended elections under martial law while focusing on fighting Russian forces.
Former Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov called for a legal and safe mechanism to hold wartime elections.
Experts cited challenges involving soldiers, refugees, occupied territories and potential Russian disinformation.
A Kyiv Institute of Sociology poll found that 15 percent supported elections before hostilities ended.
- Who
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, former Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and Ukrainian voters.
- What
- Zelensky rejected holding national elections during the war, while Fedorov called for a mechanism to organise a vote.
- When
- Zelensky’s remarks were made public on Sunday after a Saturday briefing; Fedorov’s call came during the same week.
- Where
- Ukraine.
- Why
- Zelensky cited the risks of political division, security problems, logistical obstacles and Russian disinformation.
Election Advocates
Zelensky and Wartime Election Opponents
Whether to hold elections
Election Advocates
Mykhailo Fedorov said Ukraine should find a legal and safe way to organise elections despite the prolonged war.
Zelensky and Wartime Election Opponents
Volodymyr Zelensky said a wartime election could become a dangerous force that divides or destroys the country.
Democracy during war
Election Advocates
Fedorov argued that democracy should not be held hostage by Russia and that Ukraine should renew its democratic process.
Zelensky and Wartime Election Opponents
Zelensky argued that protecting Ukraine’s existence, internal stability and unity should take priority during the invasion.
Feasibility and security
Election Advocates
Fedorov called for a realistic mechanism, although the article says he did not provide a detailed roadmap.
Zelensky and Wartime Election Opponents
Zelensky said no partners had offered a solid plan, while experts cited problems involving voters, occupied territories and Russian disinformation.
- Election status
- Ukraine has suspended elections under martial law.
- Zelensky’s position
- He said wartime elections would be a huge risk and could split Ukraine.
- Fedorov’s proposal
- Mykhailo Fedorov called for a legal, safe and realistic mechanism to renew Ukraine’s democratic process.
- Security concern
- Zelensky said current security conditions make an election impossible and that Russia’s Vladimir Putin is not interested in a ceasefire.
- Voting obstacles
- Experts cited voting by soldiers, millions of Ukrainian refugees and residents of occupied territories.
- Disinformation threat
- Experts warned that Russia could use disinformation during an election.
- Public opinion
- A Kyiv Institute of Sociology poll found that 15 percent supported elections before the end of hostilities.
