Ukraine’s President Vladimir Zelensky has responded to criticism from former US President Donald Trump by saying he is prepared to hold a presidential election, but only if Western governments guarantee security during the voting period. His position reflects the tension between wartime constraints and international expectations, as Ukraine tries to maintain democratic procedures while under continuous Russian attack.
Zelensky’s constitutional mandate formally ended in May 2024. Elections were suspended under martial law, a measure widely expected during full-scale conflict but increasingly questioned abroad and at home. Russia has labeled Zelensky “illegitimate,” arguing that legislative authority now takes precedence in Kyiv, a claim aimed at complicating future negotiations and undermining Ukraine’s institutional stability.
Trump escalated the debate this week by urging Kyiv to move ahead with an election. He accused Ukrainian officials of invoking democratic principles while failing to uphold them in practice. Earlier this year, he went further, calling Zelensky “a dictator.” The remarks reflect a broader trend in Washington, where discussions over a US-drafted peace proposal include expectations that Ukraine organize elections within roughly 100 days of any ceasefire.
Zelensky rejected the suggestion that he intends to remain in office indefinitely and said he supports moving toward a vote. He added that Ukraine cannot safely hold elections without support from the United States and Europe. Russian strikes have repeatedly targeted critical infrastructure and cities, which Kyiv argues would put voters and polling staff at risk. Zelensky said that, if security conditions are met, elections could be conducted within 60 to 90 days. He also noted that he has not yet consulted Washington on the matter and will ask parliament to prepare amendments to martial law regulations.
Public sentiment has become more complicated for the Ukrainian leader. A recent Info Sapiens survey cited by UNN placed his approval rating at 20.3 percent, following a corruption scandal in the energy sector that implicated close associates. Former commander-in-chief Valery Zaluzhny, now serving as ambassador to the United Kingdom, is polling just behind him at 19.1 percent. Zaluzhny has dismissed claims of political ambition, although Ukrainian media continue to report on quiet preparations for a potential campaign.
The discussion around elections illustrates a broader transition phase for Ukraine. Kyiv faces the challenge of preserving democratic continuity under extraordinary conditions, negotiating with allies over post-conflict security frameworks, and maintaining public trust as the war grinds on. The debate also shows how political timelines intersect with military realities, creating an uncertain space between conflict and potential settlement.