Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is facing increased pressure to conduct wartime elections, despite the existing constitutional prohibition on such elections during martial law. Mykhailo Fedorov, a former defense minister who was recently removed from his position, is urging Zelenskyy to organize elections without specifying a timeline. Fedorov emphasizes the necessity of finding a legitimate and practical approach for Ukraine to uphold its democratic process amid ongoing conflict with Russia.

While some argue that holding elections is currently impractical due to the ongoing war that began in February 2022, the political implications of the demand for change cannot be disregarded by Zelenskyy. Tymofiy Mylovanov, a former Ukrainian government official, acknowledges that Fedorov’s call for elections has stirred significant domestic political discourse but does not necessarily accelerate the likelihood of imminent elections.

Before his dismissal, Fedorov, aged 35, was recognized as a forward-thinking member of Zelenskyy’s administration, particularly known for advocating drone warfare against Russia. He served as the minister of digital transformation before assuming the role of defense minister in January, only to be ousted in July, triggering widespread protests. Despite offers for alternative positions in the government, Fedorov stood firm on his decision not to accept any role other than defense minister.

The debate over the feasibility of conducting elections intensifies as the conflict with Russia continues to pose challenges. Dmytro Koziatynskyi, a veteran combat medic, questions the logistical possibility of enabling thousands of military personnel to vote while Lesia Bidochko, a policy fellow, deems the notion of holding elections under current circumstances unrealistic. The proposition for wartime elections is seen as a risky move by some experts, including Orysia Lutsevych, who warns of potential division and external interference if elections were pursued during the ongoing conflict.

Zelenskyy has not yet directly responded to Fedorov’s election proposal, but his communications adviser indicated that the daily attacks from Russia serve as a significant obstacle to considering elections. The complexity of initiating constitutional changes during martial law further complicates the feasibility of holding elections, as discussed by Ukrainian lawmaker Lesia Vasylenko. Amid international scrutiny, particularly from Russia and the U.S., the debate over wartime elections in Ukraine remains a contentious issue with implications for national unity and external interference.