Ukraine’s elections during war: Zelenskyy names 4 conditions

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy made the statement in an interview that aired on Sunday evening, August 27, 2023, on the United News TV marathon.

He conveyed these sentiments during a discussion with US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who publicly advocated for elections in Ukraine despite the legal framework of the current martial law.

"As long as our legislators are willing to do it, because we need changes to the legislation—to the Electoral Code—and to introduce them quickly. This is the first condition," the president stated.

"I told him (Graham - ed.), ‘Are you ready to give us $5 billion? Because I'm not someone who dabbles in 'paving stones.' It appears to me that this is the sum required for conducting elections during peacetime, and during times of war, I can't even speculate about the sum needed,” Zelenskyy elaborated.

The President emphasized that the United States and Europe could provide Ukraine with such financial support for the elections.

"I will not hold elections on credit. I will not take money from the armed forces and give it towards the elections either," Zelenskyy said.

In addition, "observers should be in the trenches," and all 7 million Ukrainian refugees abroad should be able to vote.

Only then, Zelenskyy believes, can the results of the expression of the will of Ukrainian citizens be assessed as legitimate.

"I would like to hold elections. Honestly," Zelenskyy said.

As the current Ukrainian president summarized, he would not want to be seen as someone who clings to power and opposes elections.

When should the next elections be held in Ukraine: parliamentary and presidential

Under normal circumstances:

parliamentary elections - the last Sunday of October 2023, i.e. October 29,

presidential elections - first round no later than March 31, 2024.