The Times: Ukraine unlikely to hold elections in 2026

A report by The Times indicates that Ukraine is unlikely to hold presidential elections in 2026 due to ongoing war-related constraints and unresolved legal issues.

Citing Ukraine’s Central Election Commission, the newspaper reports that there is broad political agreement that elections can only take place after the active phase of the conflict ends, a clear demarcation line is established, and a six-month preparation period is completed. Deputy chairman Serhiy Dubovyk said these conditions are necessary before any vote can be organised.

A parliamentary working group tasked with drafting election legislation has yet to submit its proposal, having failed to resolve key issues. The discussions have been postponed until late May. The group has agreed that Ukraine cannot enter an election period until at least six months after both a ceasefire is in place and the required legal framework is adopted, effectively ruling out elections this year.

According to the report, delaying the vote could lead to friction with the United States, where the administration believes Kyiv should proceed with elections.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s presidential term officially expired on May 20, 2024, but elections were not held due to martial law. He has repeatedly stated that he is ready to organise elections if legislation is amended and sufficient security guarantees are ensured, including the ability for military personnel to vote. He has called on parliament to prepare the legal changes and urged Western partners to assist with election security.

Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin has claimed that Zelenskyy’s legitimacy has expired, a position rejected by Kyiv.

By Tamilla Hasanova