Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy faces mounting pressure to conduct wartime elections, despite constitutional restrictions on holding them during martial law. The call for elections comes from Mykhailo Fedorov, a popular former defense minister recently ousted from the government. Fedorov advocates for finding a legal and practical mechanism to restore Ukraine’s democratic process amid ongoing conflict with Russia.

While some argue that holding elections is currently impractical due to the ongoing war that began in February 2022, the political implications of the demand for change cannot be ignored by Zelenskyy. Tymofiy Mylovanov, a former Ukrainian government minister, noted that Fedorov has made elections a significant domestic political issue but has not advanced the likelihood of their immediate occurrence.

Fedorov, known for his reformist approach and expertise in technology, was viewed as a key figure in Zelenskyy’s administration before his dismissal. His advocacy for drone warfare against Russia had gained attention. Fedorov’s removal in July sparked protests in Ukraine, calling for his reinstatement, which Zelenskyy did not heed, appointing Yevhenii Khmara as the new defense minister.

However, the feasibility of holding elections amidst the conflict is questioned by observers like Dmytro Koziatynskyi, a combat medic, and Lesia Bidochko, a policy analyst. They express doubts about the logistical challenges of organizing a vote with millions of Ukrainians displaced or serving in the military. Some critics view Fedorov’s election call as a populist move without a clear plan for implementation.

Zelenskyy has not responded directly to Fedorov’s proposition, with his communications advisor emphasizing the ongoing Russian military attacks as a pressing concern. Orysia Lutsevych from Chatham House warns that pushing for wartime elections could undermine national unity and expose Ukraine to further interference from Moscow. The legitimacy of Zelenskyy’s presidency has been challenged by Russia, citing expired term limits. Former U.S. President Donald Trump also criticized the delay in holding elections, calling for a swift resolution.