Is Ukraine Ready for Elections in the Next 90 Days?

 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has sparked a new wave of debate after stating that his country could be prepared to hold national elections within the next 60 to 90 days, but only if international partners can ensure the safety of voters. His remarks appear to counter growing claims — including from US President Donald Trump — that the ongoing war is being used as an excuse to avoid democratic processes.

Zelensky made it clear that the willingness is there, but the circumstances are far from simple. “I am ready for elections,” he said, stressing that active missile strikes and frontline battles make the logistics of voting extremely difficult. He appealed directly to the US and European allies to help provide security conditions strong enough to make voting possible.

Ukraine’s Last Election & Why Voting Has Paused

Ukraine last went to the polls in 2019, when Zelensky achieved a sweeping presidential victory and later secured a parliamentary majority for his party, Servant of the People. His leadership gained even more widespread support after Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, pushing his approval ratings to historic highs.

However, Ukraine has not held elections since 2019 for one simple reason: martial law.
Following Russia’s assault, martial law was declared to support national defense efforts. Ukrainian law prohibits elections during this period, and the emergency status has been extended repeatedly in 90-day cycles as the war continues.

Ukrainian officials, including Zelensky, have said many times that elections will take place when the war ends and when safe, internationally recognized conditions can be met.

Why the Election Debate Is Heating Up Now

The issue has resurfaced at a sensitive moment. Ukraine is preparing to submit revisions to a peace proposal shaped by Trump’s envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Although the original document heavily favored Russia’s interests, it has been trimmed down — yet the most challenging point, territorial control, remains unresolved.

Trump has continued to pressure Zelensky to make significant concessions, and some analysts believe the call for elections is meant to challenge the Ukrainian president’s legitimacy and negotiating position. Russia has pushed a similar narrative for years, claiming Zelensky has overstayed his mandate.

Ukrainian civic groups warn that holding an election during active conflict could create instability — something Russia would readily exploit. Many argue that securing legitimacy matters, but not at the cost of national security.

Major Obstacles to Holding an Election

Even if martial law were lifted, Ukraine faces immense logistical challenges.

Millions of people are displaced, both internally and across Europe, making voter registration extremely difficult.

Election infrastructure has been heavily damaged, with only about three-quarters of polling stations currently functional.

Nearly one million soldiers are serving on the front lines, where voting would be nearly impossible without a ceasefire.

Officials say at least six months of preparation would be necessary to meet international standards for a free and fair election.

Citizens interviewed recently echoed the same view: the war must remain the priority. Many Ukrainians feel that elections held during ongoing attacks would be unsafe, unfair, and potentially destabilizing.

So, Is It Possible?

For now, the idea of holding elections within 90 days remains theoretically possible but practically unrealistic. With parts of the country under occupation, continuous missile strikes, and critical infrastructure under attack, establishing secure voting conditions is an enormous challenge.