**Ukraine’s Elections in Question**
The US is urging Ukraine to hold elections, despite the ongoing war with Russia. Keith Kellogg, President Donald Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, said that Ukraine will eventually need to hold elections to maintain its democracy.
**Elections a Sign of Healthy Democracy**
Kellogg believes that holding elections during a time of war is a sign of a healthy democracy. He stated that “a sign of a healthy democracy is the willingness and the ability to have an election even in a time of war.”
**Ukraine’s Constitution and Martial Law**
However, Ukraine’s constitution prevents elections from taking place while martial law is in effect. Martial law was imposed on February 24, 2022, after Russia invaded Ukraine.
**Ambassador Disagrees**
Ukraine’s Ambassador to the US, Oksana Markarova, disagrees with Kellogg and stated that Ukraine will not hold elections until Russia’s full-scale war ends.
**Damage to Electoral Infrastructure**
The Ukrainian Civil Network Opora points out that Ukraine’s electoral infrastructure has been damaged due to Russia’s continued attacks. This makes it difficult for Ukraine to organize elections that guarantee all citizens’ electoral and political rights.
**Zelensky on Elections**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that parliament can set a date for elections as soon as the hot stage of Russia’s war ends and martial law is lifted.
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