Kyiv’s New Plan: Polls & Territorial Disputes
- Kyiv, Ukraine - december 24, 2025 - President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has affirmed Ukraine's commitment to holding presidential elections as soon as conditions permit following a resolution to the...
- Speaking on December 24, 2025, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine will organize presidential elections "as soon as possible" once a peace agreement with Russia is reached.
- Currently, ukraine is under martial law, which suspends constitutional rights, including the right to hold elections.
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Zelenskyy Pledges Presidential Election in Ukraine After End of Russian Invasion
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Kyiv, Ukraine – december 24, 2025 – President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has affirmed Ukraine’s commitment to holding presidential elections as soon as conditions permit following a resolution to the ongoing conflict with Russia. The announcement, made during a year-end press conference, signals a desire to restore democratic processes despite the continuing war.
The Announcement and Current Context
Speaking on December 24, 2025, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine will organize presidential elections “as soon as possible” once a peace agreement with Russia is reached. He acknowledged the important challenges in conducting a free and fair election during wartime, citing the displacement of millions of ukrainians and the ongoing security risks in occupied territories. However, he emphasized the importance of upholding democratic principles even amidst the conflict. Reuters reported on Zelenskyy’s initial statement in December 2023, a sentiment he reiterated today.
Currently, ukraine is under martial law, which suspends constitutional rights, including the right to hold elections. The Ukrainian constitution allows for elections to be postponed during martial law, but Zelenskyy’s statement indicates a strong intention to resume the democratic process at the earliest prospect. The previous presidential election was held in 2019, with Zelenskyy winning a landslide victory.
Challenges to Holding an Election
Several significant obstacles stand in the way of a triumphant election. These include:
- Displaced Population: An estimated 6.2 million Ukrainians are internally displaced, and over 5.7 million have fled the country as refugees, according to UNHCR data (December 2025).Ensuring their participation in the election presents a logistical and legal challenge.
- Occupied Territories: Russia currently occupies approximately 17.5% of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea and parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Holding an election in these areas under free and fair conditions is impractical while under Russian control.
- Security Concerns: Ongoing shelling and missile attacks pose a direct threat to the safety of voters and election officials. Ensuring secure polling stations across the country will require significant resources and security measures.
- Legal Framework: Amendments to the electoral law may be necessary to address the unique challenges posed by the war, such as absentee voting for displaced persons and the eligibility of citizens residing in occupied territories.
International Response and Implications
The international community has largely supported Ukraine’s right to hold elections, but has also acknowledged the practical difficulties. The United States and the European Union have offered assistance with logistical and financial support, but have emphasized that the decision to hold an election ultimately rests with Ukraine. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has repeatedly affirmed the U.S.’s commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and democratic future.
Holding a legitimate election would be a significant step towards demonstrating Ukraine’s resilience and commitment to democratic values, even in the face of aggression.It would also strengthen Ukraine’s position in negotiations with Russia and bolster international support.