Zelensky Declares Ukraine Ready for Elections with Security Guarantees

Wed Dec 10 2025 13:23:08 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky states that Ukraine is prepared to hold elections if security is guaranteed by allied nations, following claims from former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the ongoing war and election postponements.

President Volodymyr Zelensky has reaffirmed Ukraine's readiness for elections after Donald Trump criticized Ukraine for delaying them due to the ongoing war. Zelensky emphasized the need for security guarantees from the U.S. and allies to proceed with elections, which have been suspended since martial law was declared following Russia's invasion. While discussions have surfaced about the electoral process amid the conflict, concerns about the safety and participation of citizens remain paramount.

Ukraine is ready for elections, President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated, after former U.S. President Donald Trump alleged that Kyiv is using the ongoing war to postpone them. Zelensky highlighted that he would require proposals that could potentially alter the current law governing elections.

The elections were initially scheduled for May 2024 but have been on hold since martial law was imposed following Russia's invasion. Zelensky expressed that elections could occur within the next 60 to 90 days, provided that security for the voting process is secured with the support of the United States and allied nations.

In a statement directed at reporters, he said, I'm asking now, and I'm stating this openly, for the US to help me, perhaps together with our European colleagues, to ensure security for the elections. His comments respond to Trump's insinuations that he is clinging to power amid the ongoing war, which Zelensky vehemently refuted.

Zelensky stressed that the decision regarding elections should ultimately reside with the people of Ukraine, emphasizing that external opinions should be respected but not dictate internal governance. Meanwhile, Russian narratives have positioned Zelensky as an illegitimate leader, which have echoed through Trump's rhetoric.

Concerns regarding how elections could be fair in a war zone were echoed by Ukrainian politicians who stated that all citizens, including soldiers, must be able to participate. They further expressed skepticism about the feasibility of conducting elections during wartime.

Public sentiments reflect a significant opposition to elections even after a resolution to the conflict, casting doubt over the timeline and practicality of holding elections amid ongoing military actions.