Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signaled a willingness to hold elections within the country despite the ongoing Russian military aggression, according to multiple Ukrainian media outlets. The potential move, however, is fraught with political complexities and hinges on significant external guarantees.
Reports indicate that Zelenskyy’s conditional acceptance requires assurances of security provided by the United States and European nations. If these guarantees are secured, elections could potentially occur within one to two months, necessitating legislative changes to circumvent existing prohibitions against holding elections during a state of war, a legal framework shared with Germany.
The development follows earlier controversial statements from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who, in an interview with “Politico”, appeared to echo a Russian position advocating for Ukraine to hold elections. This stance has sparked considerable debate and highlighted increasingly divergent perspectives within Western approaches to the conflict. It represents a significant shift from prior U.S. policy, particularly in light of previous support for an 18-point plan concerning Ukraine’s future. The plan, reportedly born from negotiations with Russia, stipulated elections for a residual Ukraine, excluding occupied territories and has now become the target of ongoing adjustments in discussions between Ukraine and the U.S.
Critics argue that holding elections under the current circumstances, even with external security guarantees, would be a performative gesture lacking legitimacy and potentially compromising Ukrainian sovereignty. The dependence on foreign powers for electoral security raises questions about the inherent independence of the process. Furthermore, the timing and preconditions are being interpreted by some as a reflection of waning Western resolve and increasing pressure on Kyiv to concede ground. The details of the proposed security guarantees remain vague, leaving many to question the practicality and potential consequences of proceeding with the elections. The evolving negotiations surrounding the “peace plan” are becoming a focal point for scrutinizing the future direction of Western policy towards Ukraine and the delicate balance between supporting Ukrainian autonomy and encouraging a negotiated settlement.