Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that the nation is prepared to conduct elections, provided that international partners establish necessary security guarantees. This declaration follows remarks from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who had suggested that Ukraine was using the ongoing conflict to defer its elections. Ukraine's presidential elections, originally scheduled for May 2024, were suspended after the implementation of martial law following the Russian invasion.
President's Statement and Conditions
President Zelensky, speaking to reporters, outlined that Ukraine's readiness to hold elections is contingent upon the assurance of secure voting conditions. He specified that assistance from the United States and other allied nations would be crucial in guaranteeing this security.
Electoral Background and Martial Law
The presidential elections in Ukraine were initially set for May 2024, which would have marked the conclusion of President Zelensky's five-year term. However, the nationwide implementation of martial law following the full-scale Russian invasion led to the suspension of all elections, including the presidential vote.
Proposed Legal Amendments and Timeline
In his remarks, President Zelensky indicated his intention to request the development of proposals aimed at amending the current electoral law. He suggested that, with the establishment of secure conditions, elections could potentially take place within a timeframe of 60 to 90 days. His statement came after former U.S. President Donald Trump asserted that Ukraine was utilizing the conflict to avoid holding elections.