Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is facing renewed pressure to conduct elections during the ongoing martial law period, despite the constitutional prohibition against such actions under current circumstances.

Mykhailo Fedorov, a popular former defense minister who was recently ousted from his government position, is advocating for the implementation of a legal and safe mechanism that would enable Ukraine to resume its democratic processes amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia.

While some believe that holding elections is currently impractical due to the ongoing war that began in February 2022, the political implications of the demand for change present a challenge that Zelenskyy cannot afford to overlook.

Former Ukrainian government minister Tymofiy Mylovanov noted that Fedorov’s call for elections has sparked domestic political discussions without necessarily expediting the likelihood of immediate voting. He suggested that Zelenskyy might be compelled to address the possibility of holding elections in the future, whether during or after the war.

Fedorov, known for his reformist approach and technological expertise, served as a vocal advocate for drone warfare in Ukraine before his dismissal. His removal in July triggered widespread protests demanding his reinstatement, which Zelenskyy did not comply with, appointing Yevhenii Khmara as the new defense minister instead.

The feasibility of conducting elections amid the ongoing conflict remains a topic of debate, with concerns raised about the logistical challenges of organizing a vote while thousands of service personnel are engaged in combat. Lesia Bidochko, a policy fellow, criticized Fedorov’s election proposal as potentially diverting attention without offering a practical plan for implementation.

Ukrainian lawmakers and experts, including Lesia Vasylenko and Orysia Lutsevych, expressed skepticism about the possibility of holding elections under current conditions, citing the need for constitutional amendments and the risks associated with such a move, including potential interference from Moscow.

Despite the calls for wartime elections, Zelenskyy’s administration has yet to provide a direct response to Fedorov’s proposal, emphasizing the challenges posed by ongoing Russian aggression and the complexities of the current political environment.