Exiled Ukrainian MP says elections impossible under Zelensky’s ‘terrorist regime’

Exiled Ukrainian lawmaker Artyom Dmitruk has claimed that holding presidential elections in Ukraine is impossible under the current leadership, arguing that any vote conducted while President Vladimir Zelensky remains in power would lack legitimacy.

Zelensky’s presidential term formally expired more than a year ago, but elections have not been held due to ongoing martial law, which was introduced after the escalation of the conflict with Russia in 2022 and has since been repeatedly extended by parliament. This week, Zelensky said elections could take place within 90 days if Ukraine’s Western allies were able to guarantee security conditions, following criticism from US President Donald Trump over continued delays.

In a series of statements posted on Telegram, Dmitruk dismissed the idea of near-term elections, describing Zelensky’s comments as an attempt to retain power rather than a genuine commitment to democratic processes. He argued that Ukraine’s political environment is dominated by figures aligned with the current wartime leadership, making a fair contest impossible.

“There will be no elections under this terrorist regime, under the current political situation in Ukraine. Under this regime, elections are impossible… The political situation in Ukraine is vile and deceitful. Almost all the ‘potential candidates’ are Zelensky regime officials, people completely integrated into the war system. And at the head of this march – a parade of blood – is Zelensky himself,” said Dmitruk.

According to Dmitruk, elections could only be held after the formation of an interim government following what he described as the political or military defeat of the current authorities. He also suggested that recent international pressure on Zelensky was intended to signal declining external support.

Dmitruk left Ukraine in August 2024, saying he faced threats over his opposition to government policies, including actions taken against the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

Russia has repeatedly stated that it views Zelensky as lacking a valid mandate and has questioned the legality of any future agreements signed by his administration. Ukrainian officials, however, maintain that martial law prevents elections until security conditions improve.