Zelenskyy: Lifting Martial Law for Elections Would Weaken Ukraine’s Military

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that suspending martial law to hold elections before the war ends could compromise the country’s military capabilities, a scenario that Russia would seek to exploit.

In an interview with British broadcaster ITV News, Zelenskyy emphasized that while Ukraine supports democratic processes, elections under current conditions pose significant risks.

“What do elections mean today? I am not afraid of them at all. But what will happen? We must either end martial law or suspend it. If we suspend martial law, we will lose the army. And the Russians will be pleased. Combat readiness, morale—everything is affected. Legally, we would not be able to maintain such a military structure. Soldiers would have the right to return home, and even those who choose to remain would be affected psychologically. This would create a pause that Russia will undoubtedly use for offensive actions,” Zelenskyy said.

The president also pointed out the logistical challenges of holding elections during the war, particularly for soldiers on the front lines, Ukrainians in occupied territories, and those displaced abroad.

“If elections take place, millions of Ukrainians abroad and those in temporarily occupied areas will not be able to vote. Then Russia will claim that the elections were illegitimate. While their opinion is not relevant, they will still push this narrative,” he stated.

Zelenskyy highlighted that Russia has raised the issue of elections in Ukraine as part of a broader effort to destabilize the country. According to him, Moscow seeks to restore a system in which Ukraine remains under Russian influence.

“For Russia, elections in Ukraine are a tool. They need someone loyal to them—anyone who can bring Ukraine back to the way things were before, under Moscow’s control. Their goal is to prevent Ukraine from integrating into the European Union, to maintain economic dependence, and to limit agricultural and industrial development. A puppet leadership would allow them to exploit Ukraine’s resources without opposition,” Zelenskyy explained.

The president reiterated that while Ukraine remains committed to democratic principles, elections should be held under conditions that ensure security, legitimacy, and broad participation.

Earlier, US special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, acknowledged that Ukraine’s Constitution prohibits elections during wartime but emphasized the importance of holding them when possible.

In an interview on February 6, he stated that elections are a hallmark of democracy and noted that while Ukraine cannot hold them now, they will be necessary in the future. Kellogg clarified that this does not imply President Volodymyr Zelenskyy should step down but rather underscores the resilience of democratic institutions.