Ukraine is fighting a large‑scale war with Russia and, at the same time, debating when and how to vote again for president and on a possible peace deal. The government wants to show it remains democratic, but it also has to protect people’s lives and the country’s security.
Why Elections Are on Hold
Ukraine has been under martial law since Russia’s full invasion in February 2022, and under Ukrainian law national elections cannot be held while martial law is in place. This means the presidential election that would normally have happened in 2024 was postponed. Many areas are still under attack or occupied, and millions of Ukrainians are displaced or serving at the front, so a normal, safe vote is very hard to organize.
Talk of a Peace Referendum
Alongside a future presidential election, leaders are discussing a nationwide referendum on any peace agreement with Russia. The idea is that ordinary Ukrainians, not just politicians, should decide whether to accept the terms of a deal, especially if it touches on issues like territory or security guarantees. The referendum would likely be held only after fighting eases and people across the country can take part.
Pressure from Abroad
Some foreign partners, particularly the United States, are pushing Ukraine to move faster toward both elections and peace talks. They link long‑term security support to political steps such as renewing the president’s mandate and asking voters to approve any peace plan. This creates tension: Ukraine depends on outside help, but also insists that the timing and conditions of its elections must be decided in Kyiv, not in other capitals.
Zelensky’s Position
President Volodymyr Zelensky says he is not afraid of elections and is ready to face voters, but only after there is at least a ceasefire and basic security guarantees. He argues that people should not be asked to go to polling stations while missiles and drones still hit Ukrainian cities. He also says that any peace deal involving painful compromises should be put to a national vote so that the public shares responsibility for the decision.
The Core Dilemma
Ukraine’s leaders face a difficult balance. Holding elections too soon could be unsafe and unfair, because many citizens could not vote and Russia might try to disrupt or discredit the process. Waiting too long, however, raises questions about how long wartime leaders can govern without a fresh mandate. For now, Ukraine is signaling that it will plan for a presidential election and a peace referendum, but only when the war situation and security conditions make a real, nationwide vote possible.
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