Volodymyr Zelensky stated categorically that holding presidential or parliamentary elections in Ukraine in the current conditions of military conflict is impossible and extremely dangerous. Speaking to the media on Sunday, August 23, 2026, the Ukrainian leader indicated that the political process at this point would have a destructive effect on national unity.
„I think that in the conditions of such a war, elections in general are a huge risk. "The elections right now are a tsunami for the state that will split Ukraine," Zelensky stressed, quoted by the Ukrainian public media Suspilne.
According to him, his main strategy remains unchanged - to lead the country through the war and preserve its independence.
Pressure for elections and clash with the former defense minister
The president's comment is a direct response to the frequent debates in the country. Earlier this week, the fired defense minister in July Mikhail Fedorov called for finding a “legal, safe and realistic mechanism“ for holding elections. Fedorov warned of a “systemic crisis in governance“ and warned that postponing the vote effectively gives Russia the opportunity to determine when Ukrainians will elect their leaders.
However, Zelensky countered that about a year ago, Western partners also urged Ukraine to hold elections, but none of them offered specific safety conditions. According to the head of state, holding a legitimate and democratic vote requires complete security in the front-line territories, a lack of shelling, and guaranteed voting rights for the millions of Ukrainian refugees abroad and servicemen on the front line. These demands are currently unfeasible, as Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected ceasefire options.
Legitimacy Challenges
The issue of the legitimacy of the government in Kiev remains sensitive, as Zelensky's official term expired on May 20, 2024, but was automatically extended due to the current martial law. Although Ukraine's constitution prohibits holding elections during wartime, figures such as former Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba have also argued that the country needs to renew its institutions even before the fighting ends.
Zelensky stressed that his personal commitment is to bring the country to an end to the conflict without internal turmoil. He noted that the time “corridor“ for a potential diplomatic and military conclusion to the war will be active until the summer of 2027, after which the focus of global politics will shift entirely to the US presidential campaign.