Zelensky: Elections in Ukraine can only take place after the war ends and the state of martial law is lifted.

President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that holding elections in Ukraine is extremely important, but it can only occur after the active phase of the war has ended and martial law has been lifted. This was reported by President Volodymyr Zelensky in an interview with British journalist Piers Morgan and on his Telegram channel.

"Elections will take place after the hot phase of the war ends and martial law is lifted. We are defending democracy, and elections are extremely important. But let’s be honest: lifting martial law right now is exactly what Putin wants," the head of state stated.

He emphasized that canceling martial law would lead to the return of most soldiers to their homes, which is their legal right.

Zelensky noted that without adequate security guarantees, Ukraine would be vulnerable to a possible renewed invasion from Russia.

Regarding his legitimacy, he reminded that 73% of Ukrainian citizens supported him in the elections. The president also highlighted that he has always advocated for elections, but conducting them in wartime would require amendments to the Constitution and thorough legal preparation.

"The key issue concerns not only legal aspects but also the human factor. How will soldiers in the trenches vote? What about millions of Ukrainians in occupied territories? Do their votes no longer matter? And what about the 8 million Ukrainians who have found themselves abroad due to the war?" Zelensky added.

Let us recall, Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russian losses on the front are 7 times greater than Ukrainian losses. Since the beginning of the full-scale war, Russia has lost 350,000 military personnel, which is 7 times more than Ukrainian losses.