Ukrainian politics has once again been shaken by the topic of elections: President Volodymyr Zelensky has talked about preparing for voting, and in the public space, there are versions about possible presidential elections just 60-90 days after the war ends. People's Deputy Yaroslav Zheleznyak, in his video address analyzed whether the country is preparing for real elections or if this is rather a political game against the backdrop of Donald Trump's statements and partner demands.
Elections in Ukraine: Three Political Versions
According to Zheleznyak, at least three explanations for the current statements about elections are being discussed in the political arena:
- the first and most common version is a response to Trump's rhetoric, an attempt to show partners that Kyiv is not afraid of democratic procedures;
- the second is that the authorities are truly considering a scenario of quick presidential elections after a possible ceasefire;
- the third is a combined one: preparing legislative groundwork 'just in case', using the topic of elections in foreign policy games.
Zheleznyak draws attention to Zelensky's words about being ready to hold elections on the condition that partners help guarantee the security of voting, the return of military personnel from the front, and Ukrainians from abroad.
Elections in Ukraine After the War: Conditions and Realities
The People’s Deputy emphasizes that without a ceasefire, full-fledged elections cannot be conducted — both from the security perspective and considering the participation of the front and millions of citizens abroad. In his assessment, the current statements from the Office of the President allow at the same time:
- to show partners a political readiness for elections;
- to keep at least a ceasefire or an acceptable end to the war as a key condition.
Zheleznyak suggests that in the case of a real ceasefire, the government could quickly proceed to presidential elections, and subsequently to parliamentary and local elections. If the war continues, despite legislative preparations, actual voting will most likely be postponed at least until the second half of 2026.
It is noteworthy that the People’s Deputy Yaroslav Zheleznyak stated that after the special operation 'Midas', business structures linked to the case figure Timur Mindić are massively being transferred to new nominal owners.