Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that he is willing to step down once the war with Russia concludes, making it clear that he does not intend to lead Ukraine during peacetime. Speaking to Axios, Zelenskyy emphasised that his primary goal is to end the conflict, and he pledged to ask parliament to organise elections if a ceasefire is achieved.
Elections in Ukraine have been indefinitely postponed due to the war, a situation complicated by security concerns and constitutional restrictions. Zelenskyy acknowledged these challenges but expressed belief that elections could still be possible, particularly during a ceasefire period. He noted that Ukrainians might desire “a leader with a new mandate” to make the decisions necessary for lasting peace.
Zelenskyy’s remarks came before he departed from New York following the UN General Assembly. He reaffirmed that during a ceasefire, security conditions could permit elections, allowing parliament to move forward legally and democratically.
Having won a landslide victory in 2019, Zelenskyy’s original five-year term would have ended in May 2024, but the war has extended his tenure. His approval ratings surged to around 90% during the early months of the invasion and remain above 60 percent. Despite this support, recent political tensions, such as attempts to weaken independent anti-corruption agencies, have raised concerns about Ukraine’s democratic trajectory.
Ukraine’s constitution bans elections during martial law, and even if this restriction were lifted, logistical challenges persist. Approximately 20 percent of the country remains under Russian occupation, millions are displaced, and the nation continues to face threats from Russian strikes.
