Zelensky Says Ukraine Could Consider Online Elections but Warns Voting Without Frontline Soldiers Would Be Unfair

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine could consider online elections if parliament finds a way to ensure military personnel can vote, warning that holding an election without the participation of frontline troops would be unfair.

In an interview with German broadcaster ZDF, Zelensky said millions of Ukrainians serving in the military could not vote under current wartime conditions.

“The soldiers are against holding elections because they have no opportunity to vote,” he said. “Millions of people are in the trenches, and technically we cannot organize voting for them.”

“Holding elections when soldiers cannot vote is unfair. It is 100% unfair,” he added.

Zelensky said online voting might offer a solution, but parliament would need to establish the necessary arrangements. He also cited the difficulties of enabling displaced Ukrainians and residents of Russian-occupied territories to participate.

Turning to military assistance, Zelensky said Ukraine wanted to acquire German Taurus cruise missiles to destroy Russian missile launchers, particularly because Kyiv lacked sufficient ballistic missile defenses.

“We must destroy the launchers. That is why we wanted to order Taurus missiles and test them. That would be good for both sides,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kyiv continued to suffer severe electricity and water disruptions following Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Zelensky criticized delays in restoration work and called for faster repairs.

Reflecting on the personal demands of wartime leadership, Zelensky said his responsibilities to Ukraine currently took precedence over family life.

“My children are not my priority right now, but in the future, my family will be my priority. I work for Ukraine, for the entire Ukrainian people.”