Volodymyr Zelenskyy made headlines after more than three years of civil conflict when he announced that Ukrainian elections could take place within six months, provided they can be held safely with international partners guaranteeing security. Reuters + Al Jazeera
Zelensky made these statements on December 9, 2025 in response to mounting pressure from US President Donald J. Trump, who accused Kyiv of using war as an excuse for postponing elections. (Reuters +2)
He suggested that with help from allies — specifically the United States and European partners — Ukraine could hold elections within 60 to 90 days with allies’ help – particularly from NATO countries – such as the US. Under current law, wartime elections are forbidden by martial law which was implemented after an invasion. Kyiv Post and The Guardian both published similar opinions.
Zelensky acknowledged this and indicated that any vote would require security guarantees and changes to legislation; which he has asked parliament to draft. Reuters reports.
He rejected accusations of “clinging to power,” asserting that decisions to hold elections lie solely with Ukrainian people, rather than foreign leaders or external pressure. Kyiv Post Zelensky pledged his personal readiness and will to proceed with holding polls once stability and legal conditions have been achieved, according to Al Jazeera.
Critics emphasize the substantial hurdles in this effort: ongoing missile strikes, mass displacements and frontline instability as well as issues surrounding voting rights for soldiers serving occupy or war-torn regions. Reuters +2
The Guardian =+2.
Under martial law, national and local elections are constitutionally banned; thus legal reform is an absolute prerequisite. (Kyiv Post).
Still, Zelensky’s statements signify an openness toward national elections in these turbulent times. If international partners step forward with security guarantees and Ukraine’s parliament passes necessary legislation, national balloting might still be possible.