According to Zelensky, security and the legislative framework are key factors for holding elections. He emphasized that the issue of elections should be decided by the people of Ukraine, not foreign partners. When asked about pressure from the U.S. in the context of the elections, he noted: “I did not discuss this issue. Elections depend primarily on our people.” The president also added that he is ready for elections and called on the U.S. and European allies for support in ensuring security during the voting. "If we can do this, Ukraine will be ready for elections within 60-90 days. I am ready," he said. Zelensky demanded that the deputies of his faction prepare legislative initiatives that would allow elections to be held even under martial law. "I expect proposals from partners and parliamentarians," he noted. In addition, the president called the rumors that he is trying to cling to the presidency due to the ongoing war "inadequate." According to current Ukrainian legislation, elections, including presidential ones, are not held during martial law. Martial law was introduced in the country in February 2022 after the start of the Russian invasion and is regularly extended. Against the backdrop of ongoing hostilities, the elections for the Verkhovna Rada, scheduled for October 2023, as well as the presidential elections, which were supposed to take place in March 2024, have been canceled. Donald Trump, the President of the United States, has repeatedly expressed support for holding elections in Ukraine. In an interview on December 9 for Politico, he stated: "I think the time has come. They are using the war as an excuse to cancel elections, but the people of Ukraine should have a choice."
