- Ukraine’s political activity surges amid ongoing war with Russia, increasing internal divisions.
- U.S. officials push for Ukraine to hold elections by the end of 2025 if a ceasefire is achieved.
- Former president Poroshenko and opposition figures like Tymoshenko gain visibility internationally.
- Accusations of political sabotage surface as Kyiv mayor Klitschko clashes with Zelensky’s team.
- Logistical challenges and national unity concerns hinder the possibility of elections during wartime.
Since Russia invaded in February 2022, Ukraine has lived under martial law. Political activities have been limited, and elections put on hold. However, recently, there are signs that political movement is gaining strength. This shift coincides with mounting international pressure, especially from the United States, urging Ukraine to end the war quickly.
In the past week, Ukrainian political leaders raised concerns over President Zelensky’s election focus. Some accuse him of prioritizing elections over wartime leadership. Kyiv Mayor Klitschko, a presidential candidate, even accused the presidential team of sabotage. These tensions grow as analysts observe how domestic politics could affect Ukraine during the ongoing war.
Opposition Figures Challenge Zelensky’s Authority
Petro Poroshenko, the former president of Ukraine and a leading opposition figure, has been more vocal recently. Poroshenko has been seen shaking hands with various foreign officials in what some believe could be a sign of preparing for a future political comeback. Although he has denied any intention to run for office, his party, European Solidarity, has accused Zelensky of trying to block him from re-entering parliament. The party’s leadership argues that Zelensky’s focus on the upcoming elections instead of resolving the war situation endangers Ukraine’s chances of victory. “Our task is to win the war,” Poroshenko emphasized in a recent interview with Reuters.
Poroshenko’s party has accused Zelensky of prioritizing his electoral strategy over the wartime efforts, which they claim could lead to an unstable political situation if the war remains unresolved. Despite this, Poroshenko has denied any electoral ambitions, stating that his only concern is Ukraine’s success in the ongoing conflict.
Yulia Tymoshenko, a former prime minister, has also become more visible in recent weeks. She has met with several European Union officials and raised concerns about internal matters in Ukraine, such as the controversial detention of a general involved in a failed defensive operation. Her recent protests have focused on issues related to Ukraine’s defense efforts and governance, adding further to the political tension in the country.
Political Sabotage and Clashing Interests in Kyiv
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, seen as a possible future presidential candidate, accused Zelensky’s administration of sabotage. He claimed that a presidential appointee overseeing military affairs in Kyiv was deliberately undermining the city’s civilian authorities. Klitschko suggested that Zelensky’s team was trying to limit his power during this national crisis.
In response, Zelensky’s team referred the issue to the appointed city administrator. He strongly denied the accusations, calling them unfounded. Political analyst Volodymyr Fesenko pointed out that certain factions seem to be preparing for elections. However, he believes it’s too early to consider an imminent election, calling the current political activity a “false start.”
Challenges to Holding Elections Amid Ongoing Conflict
While political activity is increasing, there are significant hurdles that Ukraine must overcome before elections could be realistically held. According to several Ukrainian officials, including Serhiy Dubovik, deputy head of Ukraine’s Central Election Commission, it would take at least four to six months to prepare for elections. Given the massive displacement of citizens, the destruction caused by the ongoing war, and the ongoing occupation of significant parts of Ukraine by Russian forces, organizing a proper election campaign presents insurmountable logistical difficulties.
The concerns over holding elections during a time of war are also echoed by many Ukrainian politicians. They argue that it could divide the country at a critical moment, weakening national unity and potentially complicating the war effort. Some observers believe that prematurely holding elections could play into Russia’s hands, creating a fragile political environment in Ukraine and offering Russia an opportunity to exploit any internal divisions.
Moreover, with large swathes of Ukraine under Russian occupation, millions of Ukrainians living abroad, and millions more displaced within the country, ensuring that all eligible voters have access to the polls is nearly impossible at this moment. Elections during wartime could risk disenfranchising large segments of the population, particularly those in frontline regions.
Zelensky’s Leadership and Public Opinion Amid War
Zelensky’s leadership is central to Ukraine’s political situation. His five-year term technically ended in May 2024, but elections have been delayed due to the ongoing war. He has made it clear that his focus is on ending the conflict rather than re-election. Zelensky stated elections will happen after martial law ends, but he hasn’t confirmed if he’ll run again.
Despite criticism from Russian President Putin, who calls him illegitimate, Zelensky remains widely accepted in Ukraine. Most Ukrainians support postponing elections until the war is over. Anton Hrushetskyi of the KIIS survey center notes that public opinion favors prioritizing victory over political elections for now.
The Role of Valeriy Zaluzhnyi in Ukraine’s Future
One name that stands out in Ukraine’s political landscape is Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, the former commander-in-chief of the armed forces. Although he has publicly denied any political ambitions, many believe his popularity might eventually lead him into politics. His book My War became a hit, selling thousands of copies in Kyiv and reinforcing his status as a national hero.
Despite Zaluzhnyi’s rise, polls show that most Ukrainians still oppose holding elections during the ongoing war. They believe the focus should be on winning the war first. However, with so much uncertainty, it’s unclear whether Zelensky will run again or if other figures like Poroshenko, Tymoshenko, or Klitschko will seek the presidency. Zaluzhnyi’s political future remains uncertain.
As the war with Russia rages on, the political scene in Ukraine is evolving. Tensions are rising, with accusations of sabotage and debates on whether elections should take place during the conflict. While some U.S. officials push for a quick election, the difficulties of holding a fair vote during wartime complicate matters. Many argue elections should only happen once peace is restored.