KYIV, Philippines — Oleksii Reznikov, Ukraine’s former defence minister, has called for presidential and parliamentary elections to be held even as the country remains under martial law, arguing that postponing them indefinitely undermines the democratic principles Ukraine is fighting to defend.
In a recent interview, Reznikov, who was removed from his post in September 2023, said that while wartime conditions pose significant logistical and security challenges, they should not be used as a blanket excuse to suspend the electoral process. He stressed that Ukrainian society is mature enough to understand the need for safeguards and that holding a vote—even in a limited form—would send a powerful signal to the world.
Reznikov’s comments come amid growing debate within Ukraine about the legitimacy of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s mandate, which technically expired in May 2024 under normal constitutional terms. Zelensky has said elections cannot be held because of the war, citing legal restrictions under martial law and the difficulty of ensuring safe voting for millions of soldiers and displaced civilians.
The former minister acknowledged these obstacles but suggested that phased voting could be arranged, including for military personnel serving on the front lines. He pointed to countries that have managed to conduct elections during conflicts, and argued that Ukraine could do the same with sufficient international support and innovative voting methods.
Reznikov’s remarks have drawn mixed reactions. Some political analysts see them as a constructive push to keep Ukraine’s democratic institutions alive, while others warn that organising elections during an active invasion could destabilise the country and play into Russian propaganda. The Ukrainian government has so far maintained that elections will only be possible once the war ends.
Reznikov, who now serves in an advisory role, insisted that his call is not aimed at undermining Zelensky but rather at ensuring Ukraine remains a beacon of democracy. “We are fighting not just for territory, but for the right to choose our own future,” he said. “We should not fear democracy, even in wartime.”