A hidden draft elections bill exists in Ukraine that differs from the text parliament is officially developing. According to European Solidarity MP Nina Yuzhanina, the draft would allow elections to be held during the war rather than after it ends.
Speaking to the YouTube channel “Super Position”, Yuzhanina said that while details of the hidden draft remain unclear, plans are being made for special polling stations for the military. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMFG9OFRSDk) She added that authorities see nothing problematic in the idea, but it poses a serious challenge for political forces because the president of Ukraine remains legitimate and any wartime vote could face questions about its legality at the international level.
“I don’t know these details, but it’s clear there will be some special polling stations for the military. So that discussion is happening, preparations are underway, and the authorities see nothing wrong with it, although for us it is truly a challenge. Our president remains legitimate. After such elections, I think there will be many objections from various countries unfriendly to Ukraine,” the lawmaker said.
She also explained that open working groups are drafting a bill on postwar elections, but the key text for adoption could be another document that envisions voting under wartime conditions. According to her, rhetoric by some politicians—particularly Servant of the People faction leader Davyd Arakhamia—may point to an accelerated electoral process, though this has not been officially confirmed.
In the interview, she said elections are possible only if there is at least a 60-day ceasefire, as the president has stated. If Russia does not agree to such a truce, holding democratic elections becomes impossible and their legitimacy would be questioned internationally.
“So without a ceasefire it’s impossible to even talk about elections. I was encouraged because, for the first time, we heard rhetoric that there must first be a ceasefire and only then an electoral process. That gave hope that certain understandings might exist in the negotiations. However, at the latest talks, the representative of the Russian Federation—and, as I understand it, Putin—said they could provide only one day without fire for the elections. Obviously, in that case there is effectively no electoral process,” she added.
Moreover, Russia’s position on territory and a ceasefire remains unchanged, complicating any agreement. Until proper conditions exist for a fair electoral process, Ukraine should preserve the legitimacy of the sitting president and wait for a chance to hold the next vote in a fully democratic format.
“I can’t even imagine who is pushing so hard for elections now. Whether it’s Mr. Trump, the president of the United States, or whether his position somehow influences the Russian Federation’s stance—I don’t know. It’s obvious that, given various factors, there are moments when President Zelensky’s actions don’t suit someone. But he was lawfully elected in a democratic vote. So we must stand by that until we can hold the next regular or snap elections in a normal democratic way,” she said.
Earlier, former Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said the war in Ukraine will likely continue in 2026, but the country could still hold a presidential election during the conflict.
As the Institute for the Study of War has reported, the Kremlin has intensified efforts to shape Ukraine’s political future, pushing a narrative of “illegitimacy” and using elections as leverage. Moscow has already said it will not recognize results unless they produce a government favorable to Russia.
