EU Commission: Ukrainian presidential elections unnecessary without public demand

The European Commission has stated that presidential elections in Ukraine are unnecessary unless demanded by the Ukrainian people.

In a briefing in Brussels, Paola Pinho, the head of the European Commission's press office, expressed this view, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

She noted that "Zelenskyy was democratically elected," and added, "if the Ukrainian people do not call for elections, no one else should demand them."

To recall, Ukraine's upcoming presidential election, initially scheduled for spring 2024, has been postponed due to the ongoing conflict with Russia. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has consistently stated that elections will only be held once martial law is lifted, which would follow the end of the war's active phase.

The discussion surrounding the election has intensified, particularly following comments from US special envoy Keith Kellogg, who expressed support for elections, possibly by the end of 2025, should a truce be reached with Moscow. However, Russia has raised concerns, with President Vladimir Putin questioning Zelenskyy's legitimacy due to the delay in the election. Moscow has also indicated it would not sign a peace agreement until Ukraine holds a presidential election.

Many experts, including former OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger, caution against holding elections prematurely. They argue that Ukraine's current instability and ongoing military occupation by Russia make free and fair elections impossible in the near future. John Herbst, a former US ambassador to Ukraine, echoed similar concerns, warning that elections could undermine Ukraine’s security, especially if conducted under the threat of Russian military manoeuvres.

Experts suggest that only after a stable ceasefire, a demilitarised zone, and international monitoring would elections be feasible.

By Aghakazim Guliyev