Can Ukraine Hold Elections While At War? Trump's Proposal Raises Questions

U.S. President Donald Trump recently suggested that Ukraine should hold elections as part of peace negotiations with Russia. His remarks come at a time when Ukraine remains under martial law due to the ongoing full-scale invasion by Russian forces. While democratic elections are a cornerstone of legitimacy for any government, the reality of holding a nationwide vote amid active conflict presents significant challenges.

Ukraine faces major obstacles, including security concerns, logistical difficulties, and political implications that could affect both the war effort and peace negotiations. This article examines whether holding elections in wartime Ukraine is feasible, the risks involved, and how international actors have responded to Trump’s proposal.

Ukraine’s Democratic System and Election Laws

Ukraine’s democratic framework is built on regular elections to ensure governmental legitimacy. However, the country’s laws explicitly prohibit elections under martial law, which has been in effect since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Key aspects of Ukraine’s election laws include:

• Presidential and parliamentary elections: Typically held every five years under normal conditions.
• Martial law restrictions: The Ukrainian constitution bars elections while martial law is in effect, requiring its suspension before any national vote can take place.
• Legislative challenges: Amending election laws during wartime would require parliamentary approval and international support to ensure legitimacy.

Before the invasion, Ukraine was scheduled to hold parliamentary elections in 2023 and presidential elections in 2024. However, given the ongoing war, Ukrainian officials have largely dismissed the possibility of elections in the near future.

Security and Logistical Challenges

The most immediate concern regarding elections in Ukraine is security. Conducting a nationwide vote while parts of the country remain under Russian occupation presents significant risks.

• Active conflict zones: Many regions, especially in the east and south, remain battlegrounds, making voter participation nearly impossible in occupied territories.
• Displaced population: Over 6 million Ukrainians are refugees abroad, with millions more internally displaced. Ensuring their right to vote would require an unprecedented level of coordination.
• Cybersecurity threats: Russia has a history of interfering in elections through disinformation campaigns and cyberattacks. A wartime election would be particularly vulnerable to manipulation.
• Physical polling station risks: Russian missile strikes and drone attacks continue to target critical infrastructure, raising concerns about the safety of voters and election workers.

These challenges make it clear that any election held during the ongoing war would face severe disruptions and questions about its credibility.

Political and International Reactions

Trump’s proposal for Ukraine to hold elections as part of a peace negotiation has drawn mixed reactions from political leaders and international observers.

• Ukraine’s stance: President Volodymyr Zelensky has previously indicated that elections could only take place under secure conditions with full democratic participation. His government has prioritized military defense over electoral processes.
• U.S. and NATO allies: Western leaders, including officials from the European Union and NATO, have expressed skepticism about the feasibility of elections while Ukraine is fighting for its survival. Many believe that forcing Ukraine to hold elections now could weaken its wartime leadership.
• Russia’s perspective: The Kremlin could exploit elections to push for a pro-Russian candidate or delegitimize Ukraine’s government if voter turnout is low due to war conditions. Any election held under such circumstances could become a propaganda tool for Moscow.

Trump’s remarks have also reignited debates over Republican perspectives on Ukraine policy. While some GOP members support continued aid to Ukraine, others have questioned long-term U.S. involvement, making election discussions part of a larger strategic debate.

The Impact on Peace Talks and U.S. Policy

The idea of holding elections as a condition for peace talks raises concerns about the broader implications for Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.

• Would elections help negotiations? Some argue that a renewed democratic mandate could strengthen Ukraine’s position in negotiations with Russia. However, others worry that holding elections under war conditions could create instability and weaken Kyiv’s bargaining power.
• Potential U.S. policy shifts: Trump’s remarks could indicate a broader shift in Republican foreign policy, particularly if he were to return to office in 2025. His past skepticism of U.S. support for Ukraine suggests that his administration might push for rapid diplomatic resolutions—even at the cost of Ukrainian territorial concessions.
• Long-term impact on democracy: Forcing elections in the middle of a war could set a dangerous precedent, potentially undermining Ukraine’s democratic institutions rather than reinforcing them.

Ultimately, the decision to hold elections must come from Ukraine itself, not as a condition set by external actors.

Conclusion

Trump’s suggestion that Ukraine should hold elections as part of peace negotiations raises significant questions about feasibility, security, and political legitimacy. Ukraine’s laws prohibit elections under martial law, and the ongoing conflict presents major logistical and security risks.

While democratic legitimacy is important, rushing into elections under war conditions could do more harm than good. With millions of Ukrainians displaced, active battles continuing, and Russian forces occupying parts of the country, any election held now would be highly compromised.

The future of Ukraine’s democracy depends not on external pressure to hold elections but on securing its territorial integrity and ensuring the conditions for free and fair voting. Until peace and stability are restored, elections remain an impractical solution to a complex and ongoing conflict.

Author: Gerardine Lucero