“Now is not the time for elections” : On Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky closed the door on a presidential vote in the country, seeking to shut down a growing debate among leaders more than a year and a half after the Russian invasion. “Now is the time for self-defense, for war, on which the fate of the state and people depend, but not for mockery, which only Russia expects from Ukraine. I think this is not the time for elections.He concluded in his daily speech.

“We must unite, not divide, and not scatter in quarrels or other priorities”, announced again. Again on Friday, his Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, announced that the Ukrainian president « Bess[ait] For and Against” In the title. If Russia had not launched its invasion in February 2022, legislative elections in Ukraine should have taken place in October this year; and the presidential election, in March 2024.

The current situation, however, puts Kiev in a dilemma as its Western allies, particularly the United States, pressure Ukraine to organize democratic elections despite Russia occupying nearly 20% of Ukraine’s territory and millions of Ukrainians being refugees abroad. Another big hurdle: The law would have to be changed to allow ballots to be organized under martial law, which is currently in place.

“No room for conflict”Monday evening Volodymyr Zelensky, argues daily “unity” His people. “Today, in times of war, when challenges abound, we all understand that it is completely irresponsible to introduce the subject of election to society in a light and cheerful manner”Again the President of Ukraine said.