As Ukraine’s war with Russia rages into its third year, the country’s lawmakers are poised to extend martial law once again before the current term expires on May 9, 2025, according to Parliamentary Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk. His statement comes amid growing international pressure, particularly from the United States and Russia, for Ukraine to hold new elections.

Despite the demands, Stefanchuk made it clear that free and fair elections are not feasible under the current conditions, as large parts of the country remain under attack or occupied by Russian forces.

Upholding Democracy Amid Conflict

Stefanchuk passionately defended Ukraine’s democratic commitment, even as Russia seeks to label the Zelenskyy administration illegitimate after the expiration of the President’s five-year term last year. He insisted that Ukraine’s values remain firmly rooted in democratic ideals, unlike Russia, which has dismantled political opposition and is widely accused of interfering in other countries' electoral processes.

“Ukraine has always been – historically, and it is now, and will remain – a democratic Ukraine,” Stefanchuk stated. “This is what distinguishes us from the Russian Federation.”

Why Elections Are Unrealistic Right Now

There are several key reasons why elections are not currently possible:

• Nearly 800,000 Ukrainian soldiers are on active duty, making it impossible for them to participate in a democratic process.

• Over 4 million Ukrainians have fled to European Union countries, while 5 million more are internally displaced within Ukraine.

• About 20% of the country’s territory remains under Russian occupation, further undermining the feasibility of any national voting effort.

The ongoing war has also created a security nightmare, with a 1,000 km front line where active fighting continues. Civilians in cities and towns across Ukraine live in constant fear of Russian missile attacks, making any form of peaceful democratic participation logistically impossible.

The Role of Martial Law and Zelenskyy’s Term

Under Ukraine's legal framework, martial law must be extended every 90 days by parliamentary approval. This provision has allowed for the suspension of electoral timelines, essentially freezing the democratic cycle while prioritising national defence.

Notably, if President Volodymyr Zelenskyy were to become incapacitated or killed during the conflict, Speaker Stefanchuk would constitutionally assume his duties. His role, therefore, is not only critical in parliamentary leadership but also in ensuring continuity of governance during a time of war.

Early Election Planning Underway

While formal elections are off the table for now, Stefanchuk noted that early planning is underway for a future democratic process once conditions allow. However, no draft laws have been written, and no timeline has been confirmed.

“Even from a theoretical point of view, it's unrealistic to hold all elections at the same time,” Stefanchuk said.

Ukraine will eventually need to hold local, parliamentary, and presidential elections, all of which were last conducted in 2019. It remains unclear how these will be sequenced or managed once martial law is lifted.

Huge Costs and Security Risks

Before the war, a national election in Ukraine typically cost about 4 billion hryvnias (roughly $100 million). In the post-war context, costs are expected to skyrocket due to the need for:

• Security at polling stations

• New legal frameworks

• Displacement accommodations

• Protection against cyber and physical manipulation, especially from Russia

The risk of election interference by Moscow is high. Ukraine’s leadership will need to establish new protocols to safeguard voting integrity.

US and Russian Pressure Mounts

The push for elections isn’t only domestic. Internationally, the United States has supported Ukraine’s democratic future but also pushed for signs of political normalcy. Meanwhile, Russia continues to use the lack of elections as a propaganda tool, calling into question the legitimacy of Ukraine’s leadership.

Despite these pressures, Ukraine is standing firm. Stefanchuk’s message to the world is clear: security and survival come before ballots.

A Civilisation Gap Between Kyiv and Moscow

The ideological divide between Ukraine and Russia has never been starker. While Russia tightens its grip on power internally, Ukraine is determined to remain democratic, even if that means delaying the vote until peace is restored.

Stefanchuk framed this as a broader civilizational issue:

“On this issue, we are on two banks of the civilisation abyss.”

What’s Next for Ukraine?

Although no elections are on the immediate horizon, the groundwork for a future vote is slowly being laid. Electoral officials and lawmakers are exploring:

• New laws

• Voting procedures

• Security measures

• Funding options

But for now, the top priority is to defend Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and that means another extension of martial law is almost guaranteed.

Conclusion

Ukraine’s commitment to democracy remains strong, but the reality of war means elections are on hold. With millions displaced, soldiers on the battlefield, and Russian forces occupying key areas, holding fair and secure elections is impossible.

Instead of rushing a flawed democratic process, Ukraine is choosing to delay elections responsibly, ensuring that when the time comes, they will be truly representative and secure.

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