It's "irresponsible" to talk of holding elections in wartime, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Monday amid discussions on whether to hold a vote in March 2024.
"We all understand that now, in wartime, when there are so many challenges, it is absolutely irresponsible to throw the topic of elections into society in a lighthearted and playful way," Zelenskyy said in his nightly address.
There has been some talk around whether Ukraine, which is operating under martial law, should hold a presidential vote next spring.
Kyiv wants to demonstrate its commitment to democratic processes as it looks to join the EU, but there are also deep concerns that a political distraction is the last thing Ukraine needs right now as its fight against Russia hangs in the balance, with little overall progress in retaking territory.