Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has expressed openness to new elections in Ukraine, but only if the conditions for democratic elections are met. This follows a call for new elections by US President Trump.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy can envision elections being held even under martial law. However, two conditions would have to be met: a legal framework would have to be established and the security of the election would have to be guaranteed, Zelenskyy told reporters in Kyiv.

If that were the case, he could ask parliament to draft proposals for a possible amendment to the law. Because under the currently applicable martial law, elections are not possible.

Zelenskyy has asked the US and European partners for support to ensure the security of any potential elections. If all these conditions are met, the Ukrainian president emphasizes, elections could be held within 60 to 90 days.

Trump joins Russia in its criticism

The suspension of elections during Russia's war of aggression has been criticized in the past by Russia and, most recently, by US President Donald Trump. In an interview with the US platform Politico, Trump urged Ukraine to hold new elections.

The country is"reaching a point where it is no longer a democracy," Trump said. Russia also regularly spreads the claim that Zelenskyy is no longer legitimately in office due to the postponed elections.

However, many people in Ukraine reject elections during the war – also because it is currently unclear how free and fair elections can be guaranteed in the territories occupied or contested by Russia.