Voting Under Fire: Zelenskyy Weighs Elections in Ukraine, but Wartime Obstacles Remain

Zelenskyy’s five-year term as president was due to end in May 2024, but elections have been suspended since martial law was declared.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attends a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron (not seen) at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, on Nov. 17, 2025. Sarah Meyssonnier/Pool via Reuters

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Dec. 9 he was prepared to hold elections within three months if his allies in the West could ensure the vote was secure and fair.

Zelenskyy was responding to an interview U.S. President Donald Trump gave to Politico in which he said it was time for Ukraine to hold an election.