Ukraine’s Zelensky says wartime elections could happen if West helps
- Elections cannot currently be held in Ukraine under martial law, which must be extended every 90 days and will next expire on November 15
- Ukraine would also need help setting up additional voting access for millions of people overseas, especially from the European Union, Zelensky said
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, responding to calls by a US senator this week to announce elections in 2024, said on Sunday voting could take place during wartime if partners shared the cost, legislators approved, and everyone got to the polls.
Zelensky, in a television interview with Natalia Moseichuk, an anchor for the 1+1 Channel, said he had discussed the issue with Graham, including the question of funding and the need to change the law.
“I gave Lindsey a very simple answer very quickly,” he said. “He was very pleased with it. As long as our legislators are willing to do it.”
He said it cost 5 billion hryvnia (US$135 million) to hold elections in peacetime. “I don’t know how much is needed in wartime,” he said. “So I told him that if the US and Europe provide financial support …”