President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that holding elections during the ongoing war with Russia would be dangerous and could split the country.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed calls to hold elections while the country remains under martial law due to the Russian invasion. Speaking during a briefing on August 22, 2026, Zelenskyy warned that conducting a vote during wartime would create a "tsunami" that could divide the nation. The comments followed a recent proposal by former Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov to organize a vote, a suggestion that has faced significant backlash.

Political Upheaval and Public Sentiment

The debate over elections follows the dismissal of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, which triggered protests. While Fedorov called for a vote, he did not provide a specific plan, leading some of his own supporters to distance themselves from his position. Zelenskyy criticized the former minister's actions, suggesting he is being pushed toward "wrong things." Public opinion remains largely against wartime elections, with a poll from the Kyiv Institute of Sociology indicating that only 15% of Ukrainians support holding a vote before the end of hostilities. Martial law currently suspends the electoral process, a measure that continues to receive broad support from the population.

Logistical and Security Challenges

Experts have identified multiple obstacles to holding a vote, including the difficulty of enabling soldiers, millions of refugees, and residents of occupied territories to cast ballots. Additionally, the government faces concerns regarding Russian disinformation campaigns. Zelenskyy emphasized the need to maintain unity between society and the military, warning against actions that could lead to dangerous internal developments.