President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday pushed back against a proposal by Mykhailo Fedorov, his deputy prime minister and minister of digital transformation, to hold parliamentary and presidential elections during the ongoing war with Russia. In a statement carried by Ukrainian media, Zelenskyy described the idea as a ‘tsunami’ that would ‘split the country’ and ultimately ‘destroy’ Ukraine’s ability to resist Russian aggression.
“Elections under martial law are not about democracy—they are about handing Russia a victory on a silver platter,” Zelenskyy said. “We cannot afford to be divided when we must be united.”
The exchange highlights a growing rift within Ukraine’s leadership over the timing and feasibility of elections. Fedorov, a key figure in Ukraine’s digital governance and wartime innovation, has reportedly argued that delaying elections indefinitely undermines Ukraine’s democratic credentials and could weaken Western support. The Ukrainian constitution prohibits holding elections during martial law, which has been in effect since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022. However, the law allows for exceptions if the parliament votes to amend the electoral code—a move that would require a two-thirds majority.
Zelenskyy’s five-year term was originally scheduled to end in March 2024, but the elections were postponed under the martial law provisions. The president has repeatedly stated that security concerns—including the safety of voters in occupied or frontline areas, the logistical challenge of running a campaign under shelling, and the risk of Russian interference—make it impossible to hold a free and fair vote.
Fedorov’s proposal has not been formally presented to the parliament, but it has sparked debate among lawmakers, international observers, and Ukraine’s allies. Some Western diplomats have privately expressed concern that prolonged postponement of elections could eventually erode Ukraine’s democratic image, even as they acknowledge the practical difficulties. Others argue that the priority must remain on military victory and territorial integrity.
Political analysts say the disagreement reflects a deeper tension between wartime unity and democratic accountability. While Zelenskyy’s approval ratings remain high—hovering around 60% in recent polls—critics warn that the indefinite suspension of elections risks creating a legitimacy vacuum, especially if the war drags on for years.
Ukraine’s constitution also requires that elections be held within 90 days of the end of martial law. If the war continues, the country could face a prolonged period without a parliamentary or presidential vote, a scenario that some legal experts say could be challenged in court.
The Kremlin has not commented on the internal debate, but Russian state media has seized on the dispute as evidence of a “political crisis” in Kyiv. Ukrainian officials dismiss such claims as disinformation designed to undermine morale.