Ukraine has formally ruled out holding presidential elections this year, citing the ongoing war and persistent security risks.
The decision places President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in direct conflict with calls from the United States, where President Donald Trump urged Kyiv earlier this year to proceed with elections despite the ongoing hostilities.
According to a report by The Times, Ukraine’s Central Election Commission (CEC) said elections could only realistically be held six months after the cessation of hostilities, allowing sufficient time to prepare voting infrastructure and ensure security for both voters and polling stations.
CEC Deputy Head Serhiy Dubovyk told The Times that the election working group had been tasked with submitting legislation to parliament by the end of last month but was still resolving key issues, including how to guarantee free and fair voting without interference or risk of attacks.
“Everyone, including deputies, agrees that the active phase of hostilities must end, a clear demarcation line must be established, and only after that will a six-month period be needed to organize elections,” he said.
Ukraine rules out 2026 presidential elections
The group agreed that an election campaign could only begin after a truce is established and legislation is adopted, effectively ruling out a vote in 2026.
Dubovyk highlighted additional obstacles posed by martial law, including restrictions on freedom of speech and movement that could compromise campaign fairness.
Opposition parties have also rejected proposals for digital voting, citing risks of government manipulation and limited oversight from international observers.
“There is no precedent for holding such a vote, especially under existing international standards,” the Deputy Head said.
The CEC’s stance contrasts sharply with pressure from the Trump administration. According to Dubovyk, U.S. officials argued that Ukraine could hold elections even during wartime, citing the American Civil War as an example.
“They do not understand the risks faced by Ukrainians, including airstrikes, cyberattacks, and information warfare.”
A recent survey by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology found that 69% of Ukrainians oppose holding elections while the war continues, supporting a postponement until after hostilities end.
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Ukraine’s stance comes after President Trump publicly called on Zelenskyy in February to hold elections, criticizing the handling of international aid and suggesting that a deal with Russia could prevent further casualties.
“It’s wonderful to say, you know, we can’t have an election, but it’s time for elections, and it’s also time to find out what happened with all the money, because he made the statement that half the money, he doesn’t know where it is, or something like that,” Trump said, referring to comments made by the Zelenskyy during a press interview earlier that month.
Ukraine was originally scheduled to hold presidential elections in April 2024, when Zelenskyy’s five-year term was set to end.
However, the country remains under martial law due to Russia’s ongoing occupation of the eastern regions, as well as Crimea, which Moscow has held since 2014.
