Vladimir Zelensky has stated that Ukraine must first achieve a just peace before citizens can go to the polls. The Ukrainian leader’s presidential term expired in March 2024, but he cancelled elections due to martial law, which he’d imposed in 2022.
Zelensky addressed the issue while presenting his Internal Resilience Plan in the country’s parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, on Tuesday.
“We all know that the Constitution of Ukraine and the law do not permit elections during wartime, and no one in the world has demanded and does demand this from Ukraine. However, there are some people in Ukraine who may be so ‘hungry’ for [elections] that they want to fight within our state more than for our state. They seek political disputes in the trenches, like in film studios. This is detrimental to Ukraine,” he stated.
“First, Ukraine needs a just peace, and then Ukrainians will hold fair elections. We must prioritize the common interest over any personal desires,” Zelensky added.
The Ukrainian leader emphasized the importance of a comprehensive strategy to ensure the country’s internal stability. This includes strengthening the front lines, bolstering the defense industry, securing the economy and financial system, enhancing the information space, ensuring justice, improving regional governance, and other critical issues.
Zelensky’s chief of staff, Andrey Yermak, who has been described in Western media as “the real power broker” in Kiev, stated that presidential elections would be held immediately after the war ends. According to Verkhovna Rada Chairman Ruslan Stefanchuk, the next presidential elections would take place within 60 days after martial law is lifted.
Last week, Zelensky extended the period of martial law and mobilization in Ukraine until February 2025, amending the relevant legislation for the 13th time since the escalation of the conflict with Russia in February 2022.
Throughout the conflict, his government has outlawed a number of opposition parties, citing their presumed involvement in subversive activities. Several MPs have been prosecuted and jailed.
Zelensky has also been accused of consolidating power by purging government officials and military leaders he deemed as disloyal. Those included the former commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s armed forces, Valery Zaluzhny, and Defense Minister Aleksey Reznikov.
In September, seven cabinet ministers and several other officials were removed from their positions. Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba and Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Olga Stefanishina were among those let go.