Zelenskyy: Elections are possible in 2025 if the hot phase of the war is over

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, photo: Getty Images

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that presidential and parliamentary elections can take place only after the hot phase of the war is over and provided that Ukraine has a strong position.

He said this during an interview with First Lady Olena Zelenska during a telethon, hromadske reports.

Zelensky stressed that elections during martial law are impossible under the Constitution. This requires changing legislation, which is also impossible during martial law.

The President noted that rumours about the urgent need for elections are spread only in Russia and by some Ukrainians. In his opinion, «people in Ukraine are afraid of elections during the war», and the Kremlin uses this topic to spread narratives about the illegitimacy of the Ukrainian government.

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At the same time, Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that the current parliament and president remain legitimate until the new ones are elected and sworn in.

The President suggested that elections could be held in 2025 if the hot phase of the war is over and Ukraine is able to provide a strong army, receive the necessary security guarantees and a stable military aid package. In this case, martial law could be lifted and the parliament could set the date for the elections.

When asked about a second presidential term, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that his decision would depend on the outcome of the war.

«If I do more than I can, then I will probably look at this decision more positively. Today, this is not my goal,» the president said.

Amid discussions of possible elections in Ukraine, political forces are actively preparing for the campaign. In particular, the presidential party «and the Servant of the People» are considering rebranding.

Ukraine is also studying European models of electoral legislation, as well as electronic voting. It may be introduced in the country after the war with Russia is over.

It should be noted that an earlier poll conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology showed that the vast majority of Ukrainians (69%) believe that Volodymyr Zelenskyy should remain in office until the end of martial law.