Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський profile
Public criticism over delayed presidential elections under martial law
Coverage of criticism that Ukraine postponed the presidential vote while martial law remains in force since 2022. Ukrainian law prohibits national elections under martial law. Foreign and domestic critics have disputed the continued delay.
Editorial timeline of public reporting, not a legal finding.
- Zelenskyy said wartime election was not the right time - Reuters reported that in a nightly address Volodymyr Zelenskyy said it was not the right time for a presidential election and called lighthearted talk of wartime voting irresponsible. Martial law imposed after Russia's February 2022 invasion prohibits elections. Zelenskiy calls for Ukrainian unity after rift with top general
- Trump called Zelenskyy a dictator; Europe rejected the claim - The BBC and Reuters reported that Donald Trump called Zelenskyy a dictator over suspended elections. European leaders rejected that framing and noted Ukrainian law suspends elections under martial law; Zelenskyy's five-year term was due to end in May 2024. Trump calls Zelensky a 'dictator' as rift between two leaders deepens
- Parliament extended martial law until August - Reuters reported that 357 deputies backed extending martial law until August, delaying elections and allowing continued mobilization. Former president Petro Poroshenko accused the government of abusing martial law, though his party largely backed the extension. Ukraine's parliament extends martial law until August