President Zelensky indicated Ukraine could be ready to hold elections during the ongoing war with Russia if the U.S. and European partners provide necessary security. This shift in position follows recent calls from the U.S. for elections and depends on security, voting access for soldiers, and legislative changes. Zelensky has expressed his willingness to proceed with elections within 60-90 days if security can be assured and is awaiting proposals from partners and lawmakers. The potential for elections arises amid political challenges and amid a backdrop of low public support for holding elections during a ceasefire, as reflected in recent surveys.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed his readiness to hold presidential elections, as stated in a comment to La Repubblica. This followed comments from Donald Trump, who suggested Ukraine should hold elections, claiming the country is no longer a democracy. The European Commission has responded, noting that elections can only occur under the appropriate conditions due to the ongoing Russian war. Notably, Russian President Vladimir Putin has cited the “illegitimacy” of Zelenskyy as reason to not sign a peace agreement with Ukraine.
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Zelenskyy’s call for security guarantees from the US and Europe to facilitate elections within a 90-day timeframe has naturally stirred up a lot of debate and speculation. It’s an incredibly complex situation, to say the least. The very idea of holding elections in a country actively at war, with a fifth of its territory occupied and millions displaced, immediately raises serious questions. How do you ensure fairness? How do you guarantee the safety of voters and the integrity of the process? The prospect of Russia using the elections as a target for attacks, or attempting to manipulate the outcome, is a very real concern.… Continue reading
Ukrainian opposition leaders Poroshenko and Tymoshenko, despite reported contacts with U.S. officials regarding potential wartime elections, firmly oppose holding a vote until after peace is established. Both insist that elections should occur within 180 days of the war’s conclusion, rejecting calls for an immediate vote. This stance follows reports of discussions between Trump’s associates and Ukrainian opposition figures about the possibility of expedited elections. The current Ukrainian law prohibits wartime elections, and Zelenskiy has offered to step down in exchange for peace and NATO membership.
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Following a meeting between US and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia, Donald Trump expressed disappointment with Ukraine’s negotiation efforts, suggesting a quicker resolution was possible. He touted his own negotiating skills and proposed Ukrainian elections as a condition for peace, a suggestion he claimed originated not from Russia but from himself and other countries. Trump also revealed past discussions with Putin regarding Ukraine, asserting that Putin initially had no intention of invading. Despite Ukraine’s absence from the talks, US and Russian officials agreed to restore embassy staffing and establish a high-level team to negotiate peace.
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President Zelensky’s signing of the bill extends Ukraine’s martial law and general mobilization for another 90 days, from February 8th to May 9th. This extension, approved by the Verkhovna Rada, continues measures initially implemented in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion. The May 9th end date coincides with Russia’s Victory Day, potentially countering Kremlin narratives. The continued martial law prevents elections and restricts the movement of men of military age, a situation Russia has attempted to exploit politically.
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The idea of Ukraine holding elections following a ceasefire is being floated, and it’s raising some serious questions. The suggestion seems to be coming from a particular faction within the U.S., and the timing and context are highly suspect.
This push for elections immediately following a ceasefire raises concerns about potential manipulation and undermines the very principles of fair and free elections. The circumstances surrounding a ceasefire would likely be highly unstable, making it exceptionally difficult to ensure a genuinely representative electoral process. Occupied territories, in particular, would present insurmountable obstacles, as conducting free and fair elections under duress or occupation is simply impossible.… Continue reading
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy affirmed that elections are contingent upon the cessation of active warfare and the subsequent lifting of martial law. He emphasized that current legislation prohibits elections under martial law, rendering them impossible until these conditions are met. Zelenskyy expressed his belief that elections should follow swiftly after the end of martial law. This aligns with the Ukrainian constitution, which dictates the legitimacy of the current government until a successor is elected.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood