During an expert discussion, it was emphasized that the issue of holding elections in Ukraine during wartime remains one of the most difficult for both society and the government. The problem is not about specific political figures like Zelenskyy, Zaluzhnyi, Poroshenko, Tymoshenko, or Boyko, but about the broader cognitive framework in which both society and the political class now operate.
Experts noted that Russia uses the topic of elections as a tool to destabilize Ukraine. Holding full-scale elections under current martial law conditions is virtually impossible due to fundamentally changed legal and security realities. For instance, there is a direct risk of attacks on polling stations, creating unresolved logistical and legal challenges.
According to the discussion, the Ukrainian authorities are partly responding to the priorities of Western partners, particularly the US, by demonstrating Central Election Commission preparations. However, most of these activities are seen as a reaction to external political pressure, not a real plan to organize elections soon.
No clear answer exists on the possible format or timing of elections. Legally, implementation during war is highly complex, and there is no consensus among political elites or society. It was emphasized that holding all three elections (local, parliamentary, and presidential) on the same day is a bad idea, as each level of authority has its own agenda and functional role.
The discussion also included information campaigns and rumors, often stemming from the President's Office, regarding election plans. The consensus is that there are currently no objective conditions for safe and legitimate elections. Ukrainian society remains under wartime stress, and any new attempt to initiate elections only increases risks of conflict and manipulation by Russia.
Experts concluded that the best scenario is to return to the election process after the end of the war. Western partners are advised to focus more on supporting security rather than putting pressure for early elections, as doing so would align with Russian narratives aimed at destabilizing Ukraine.
