Zelenskyy Signals Readiness for Ukraine Elections Amid Security Concerns and Trump Criticism
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on December 10 that Ukraine could hold its first election since Russia’s 2022 invasion within 60 to 90 days, contingent on receiving security guarantees from international partners. This marks a notable shift from Zelenskyy’s previous position, which delayed elections due to martial law and ongoing conflict. Ukraine has been under martial law since the war began in February 2022, and current legislation prohibits elections during this period. Zelenskyy has now called on lawmakers from his party to draft proposals that would allow elections to proceed despite martial law, emphasizing the need to address both security and legislative frameworks before moving forward.
The president’s change in stance follows public criticism from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who accused Zelenskyy of using the war as a pretext to avoid holding elections. Trump, who has previously labeled Zelenskyy a “dictator without elections,” warned that Ukraine risked losing its democratic status if elections were further delayed. In a recent interview, Trump stated, “They haven’t had an election in a long time. You know, they talk about a democracy, but it gets to a point where it’s not a democracy anymore.”
Zelenskyy responded by openly requesting assistance from the United States and European allies to ensure the security necessary for conducting elections. “I am now asking — and I am stating this openly — for the United States, possibly together with our European colleagues, to help me ensure security for holding elections,” Zelenskyy said during a WhatsApp press briefing. “And then, within the next 60–90 days, Ukraine will be ready to hold them.”
This development comes amid ongoing efforts by the Trump administration to negotiate a peace deal to end the nearly four-year conflict. Late last month, the administration presented a 28-point plan aimed at resolving the war, though Ukrainian and European leaders criticized it for being overly accommodating to Russian demands. Ukrainian officials subsequently worked with White House envoy Steve Witkoff to revise the proposal. Despite these efforts, Zelenskyy has expressed reservations about the peace talks, with Trump alleging that the Ukrainian president has not fully reviewed the latest proposals.
The prospect of elections in Ukraine is significant given the country’s turbulent political landscape since the invasion. The conflict has disrupted normal governance and raised questions about the viability of democratic processes under martial law. The U.S. government and European allies have been closely monitoring the situation, balancing support for Ukraine’s sovereignty with concerns about stability and security.
Experts note that holding elections during an active conflict poses considerable risks, including threats to voter safety and potential manipulation by hostile forces. However, Zelenskyy’s call for international security guarantees suggests a willingness to collaborate with global partners to mitigate these risks. The involvement of entities such as the U.S. Department of State and the European Parliament will be critical in providing the necessary frameworks and protections.
As Ukraine prepares for this pivotal moment, the international community faces the challenge of supporting democratic processes while navigating the complexities of an ongoing war. The outcome of these efforts will have far-reaching implications for Ukraine’s future governance and the broader geopolitical landscape in Eastern Europe.
For ongoing updates on Ukraine and international diplomatic efforts, the United Nations continues to provide regular briefings and reports.
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