Zelenskyy seeks U.S. backing for Ukraine elections
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine could hold national elections within 60–90 days if the U.S. and European partners provide security guarantees and if Parliament enacts a legal framework to allow voting under martial law. He has asked lawmakers from his party to draft proposals to permit elections during wartime, a shift that follows President Trump’s public criticism that Ukraine risks ceasing to be a democracy without a vote.
📌 Key Facts
- Zelenskyy: Ukraine "will be ready" to hold elections within 60–90 days with U.S./EU security guarantees.
- He requested his party’s lawmakers to draft legislation enabling elections under martial law (per AP).
- Trump criticized Zelenskyy for delaying elections and said Ukraine risks not being a democracy; he also questioned Zelenskyy’s engagement with the U.S. peace plan.
📊 Relevant Data
In June 2024, 94.7% of respondents in Ukraine identified as ethnic Ukrainians, up from 89.7% in 2017 and 72.7% in 2000, while 1.9% identified as ethnic Russians, down from 7.9% in 2017 and 20.2% in 2000.
The identity of Ukraine's citizens: trends of change (June, 2024) — Razumkov Centre
In February-March 2025, 66.4% of Ukrainians opposed holding national elections before the end of the war, while 21.6% supported it, with opposition higher among those who trust the President (79% oppose) compared to those who do not (47% oppose).
As of March 2025, Ukraine's population on territory controlled by Kyiv has dropped to approximately 29 million, a 45% decline from 52 million post-Soviet and down from about 41 million in January 2022, primarily due to refugee outflows and war casualties.
How Many Ukrainians Will Remain In Their Country After The War? — Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty