Ukraine hasn't held elections since Russia's full-scale invasion. Here's why
By ILLIA NOVIKOV and DANICA KIRKA
Updated 8:47 AM PST, December 10, 2025
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has rejected suggestions that he is using the war as an excuse to cling to power, saying he is ready to hold elections if the U.S. and other allies will help ensure the security of the poll and if the country’s electoral law can be altered.
Zelenskyy’s five-year term was scheduled to end in May 2024, but elections were legally put off due to Russia’s full-scale invasion. That has become a source of tension with U.S. President Donald Trump, who has criticized the delay as he pushes Zelenskyy to accept his proposals for ending the war.
Zelenskyy responded to that criticism on Tuesday, saying he was ready for elections.
“Moreover, I am now asking — and I am stating this openly — for the United States, possibly together with our European colleagues, to help me ensure security for holding elections,” he told reporters on WhatsApp. “And then, within the next 60–90 days, Ukraine will be ready to hold them.”
https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-elections-zelenskyy-trump-explainer-3162f3dfb74196801c45ae9060c02f03
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