On the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence, President Volodymyr Zelensky received a notable gesture of support from the United Kingdom. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, visiting Kyiv for his first foreign trip, announced that London would permit the defence firm MBDA to declassify information regarding British-made components of the long-range SCALP missile. This move coincided with a period of relative calm in Kyiv, marked by a temporary lull in Russian ballistic missile and drone strikes.
Despite these positive developments, Zelensky continues to face mounting domestic pressure regarding the timing and feasibility of holding elections amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. Martial law currently prohibits elections, and calls to hold them have sparked controversy within Ukrainian political circles. A week earlier, former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov defied this taboo by advocating for elections, while the dismissal of Iryna Mudra, deputy head of Zelensky’s office, followed allegations of corruption at high levels of government.
President Zelensky has warned that holding elections during wartime could provoke a divisive “tsunami,” though Kyiv and its Western allies remain uncertain about when and how democratic processes might resume. Last December, Zelensky indicated that elections could take place within 60 to 90 days, a timeline that has since proved unrealistic. Despite requests for legislative proposals to facilitate elections, no draft law has been presented after eight months.
Experts point to significant logistical and financial hurdles. Olha Aivazovska, chair of the civil organization OPORA, estimates that Ukraine would require at least six to twelve months after the active conflict subsides to organize credible elections, citing insufficient funds even within the defence budget. The Kyiv International Institute of Sociology reports a shift in public opinion, with 57 percent now opposing elections until fighting stops, down from 69 percent in March.
The challenges of conducting elections in an active war zone are considerable. Some voters remain in combat positions, making secret ballots difficult to secure, while millions displaced internally and abroad face barriers to participation. Occupied territories present additional obstacles, and under-resourced Ukrainian embassies and consulates cannot handle the volume of ballots of citizens abroad. Polling stations themselves could become targets of Russian attacks. Furthermore, elections would unfold amid ongoing disinformation campaigns and attempts at political manipulation.
Concerns also persist about democratic accountability. Daria Kaleniuk, of the Anti-Corruption Action Centre, cautions that while elections during wartime carry risks, ruling without electoral accountability presents its own dangers. She criticizes Zelensky for suppressing opposition voices and making legal appointments aimed at protecting an allegedly corrupt inner circle rather than upholding the rule of law.
Observers suggest that international partners, including Canada, could support Ukrainian democracy by funding the revival of independent media, which has suffered significant losses since 2022. With hundreds of outlets closing and curtailed foreign aid limiting resources, a strong press remains critical for exposing corruption and enabling public scrutiny. Organizations estimate that rehabilitating Ukraine’s independent media would require approximately $96 million over three years.
Some analysts believe Zelensky himself could ease political tensions by reaffirming his previous 2019 campaign pledge to serve only a single term and acting as a caretaker leader until peace is restored. Such a move might reduce legitimacy disputes and signal commitment to democratic principles without compromising wartime leadership.
While Zelensky was presented with a tangible demonstration of allied support on independence day, the question of how Ukraine will navigate elections during prolonged conflict remains unresolved. The delicate balance between maintaining national unity, ensuring accountability, and protecting democratic processes continues to challenge Kyiv’s leadership amid the ongoing war.