Elections During War: Can They Be Held in Today’s Conditions and What Do Ukrainian Leaders Say About It
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in a recent statement during a meeting with U.S.
leader Donald Trump, firmly expressed the position that holding elections amid active hostilities and wartime is impossible.
He emphasized that during the war, Ukrainian society and authorities are unable to organize a fair and secure voting process.
According to Zelensky, the current priorities for Ukraine are safety and stability, making elections unfeasible without guarantees of protection and equal conditions for all candidates.He highlighted that in the current situation, focus should be on parliamentary work and adherence to legal norms, as honest elections will allow Ukrainians to choose their representatives who will defend the country’s interests in these difficult times.
Zelensky also added that real, transparent elections can only be organized when Ukraine achieves full security and stability.At the same time, within international diplomatic contacts, prominent European and American leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, plan to participate in an important meeting with Zelensky and Trump in Washington on Monday.
This demonstrates the high level of international support for Ukraine’s efforts to overcome wartime challenges and preserve sovereignty and democracy.