Former Ukrainian defence minister urges presidential election despite martial law

Kyiv announced that martial law, declared in February 2022 in response to the Russian invasion, remains in effect across Ukraine. Under the provisions of the emergency measure, all scheduled national and local elections have been suspended, and the government has retained expanded authority to mobilize resources, restrict public gatherings, and enforce curfews.

The suspension of electoral processes is stipulated in Ukraine’s constitutional framework for periods of martial law, which allows the state to prioritize security and defense operations. International observers have noted that the continuation of martial law aligns with the ongoing conflict, while Ukrainian officials emphasize that normal democratic functions will resume once the security situation stabilizes.