Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that holding national elections while Ukraine is fighting Russia would be extremely dangerous, saying a wartime vote could divide the country and weaken its defense against Moscow.
Zelensky made the remarks on Sunday, August 23, in response to renewed calls from former Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov and other political figures urging the government to hold elections despite the ongoing war.
Ukraine has suspended presidential and parliamentary elections under martial law, which has remained in force since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Under Ukrainian law, nationwide elections cannot be held while martial law is in effect.
“I believe elections during a war like this are a huge danger,” Zelensky said. “An election now would be a tsunami for the country that could split Ukraine apart.”
Zelensky argued that millions of Ukrainians have been displaced by the war, hundreds of thousands are serving in the armed forces, and large parts of the country remain under Russian occupation, making it impossible to guarantee a free, fair and secure nationwide vote.
The debate comes as Russia and Ukraine continue to intensify missile and drone attacks, with active fighting across several front lines in eastern and southern Ukraine. Zelensky said organizing elections under these conditions would create political instability and distract the country from its war effort.
Opposition politicians have continued to call for elections, arguing that Ukraine should preserve its democratic institutions despite the conflict. However, the government maintains that elections can only be held once martial law is lifted and security conditions allow all eligible citizens, including displaced people, refugees abroad and residents of occupied territories to participate safely.
