The European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaya Kallas, has expressed opposition to the possibility of holding presidential elections in Ukraine amid the ongoing military conflict.
Operative Information Center-OMM, citing Reuters, reports that the diplomat does not consider organizing a vote under wartime conditions to be a viable step. Kallas emphasized that the constitutions of most European countries contain specific provisions that prohibit holding elections during active military operations.
- Holding elections in combat conditions is by no means a good solution;
- In most EU countries, voting is prohibited under martial law;
- Security risks could significantly hinder the democratic process.
This statement follows reports from The Financial Times suggesting that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy might announce elections for February 24. Some sources indicate that the proposal for elections was put forward by the United States in exchange for security guarantees. Currently, Ukrainian law prohibits national elections under martial law, which has been in effect since February 2022. The debate underscores the complex challenge of balancing democratic mandates with the practical safety concerns of a population under fire and the displacement of millions of voters.
