The call for elections is sparking a new political debate in Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy categorically rejects the idea of holding elections whilst the war is ongoing – his former defence minister, however, opposes this stance and warns that democracy must not be subordinated to the war.

“I believe it would ruin the country if we were to prepare for elections during a war like this,” Zelenskyy told journalists. According to the Ukrainian president, holding a vote under the current circumstances could divide the country. As reported by Welt, this was the president’s first response to the demand made by his former defence minister, Mikhailo Fedorov.

Zelenskyy justifies his refusal by citing the country’s state of emergency. He believes that, during the Russian invasion, the defence of Ukraine must be the priority, and that the aim is to bring the war to an end and preserve an independent and sovereign state.Fedorov: Democracy must not be made a “hostage to Russia”

Fedorov, on the other hand, believes that elections must be possible even under wartime conditions. Democracy “must not be held hostage by Russia” – argued the former defence minister, who advocated for a “legitimate, secure and realistic mechanism” that would allow democratic elections to be held despite Russian attacks.

Fedorov had long been considered an ally of Zelenskyy, but was unexpectedly dismissed from his post as defence minister last month. The decision sparked protests. Fedorov did not comment on whether he would stand in the election.

Mikhailo Fedorov Photo: Roman PILIPEY / AFP

Millions of Ukrainians would be unable to vote

Ukrainian law prohibits the holding of elections whilst martial law is in force. This is compounded by significant practical difficulties: millions of Ukrainians are abroad or living in Russian-occupied territories, whilst numerous soldiers are fighting on the front line. The security situation would also make a nationwide vote considerably more difficult.

There is no clear consensus among the population in favour of holding the elections. According to a survey published in early August by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology, 57 per cent of Ukrainians wish to vote only after the fighting has ended. The report states that Zelenskyy’s popularity remains at around 60 per cent.

Selenskyj erteilt Wahlen während des Krieges eine klare Absage. Sein früherer Verteidigungsminister warnt: Die Demokratie darf dem Krieg nicht untergeordnet werden. Mehr dazu im Artikel: https://t.co/7zVVm3uVwC#Selenskyj #Ukraine #Wahlen #Demokratie #exxpress pic.twitter.com/nfdbByyzdN

— exxpress (@exxpressat) August 25, 2026