Vice Speaker Kondratyuk: Ceasefire doesn’t mean automatic end of martial law

This was stated by Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Olena Kondratyuk in an interview with Ukrinform.

“First of all, despite the fact that I represent the opposition in the parliament, not the pro-government majority, I have repeatedly emphasized that elections during martial law are impossible in Ukraine. This is not a Ukrainian scenario, but definitely a Russian one,” Kondratyuk commented on speculation about the possibility of holding parliamentary elections in Ukraine.

According to her, “the ceasefire cannot be automatic without a monitoring mission consisting of an independent contingent that will ensure control over the demarcation line.” “Without this, it is impossible to guarantee compliance with potential agreements. We remember the events of 2015-2016 and we know who always violates the ceasefire,” the Vice Speaker noted.

Thus, “an automatic ceasefire does not mean security guarantees for Ukraine” – “they must be clearly spelled out by our partners and allies, and only then can we talk about lifting martial law.”

“Elections directly depend on the lifting of martial law. And during the Monet Dialogues, including with MEPs, it was clearly stated in the agreement between the heads of factions and groups that the elections should be held six months after the end of martial law,” Kondratyuk said.

She also pointed out that the vast majority of Ukrainians “understand the impossibility of holding elections during the war.” “The democratic electoral process involves campaigning, open political discussion, and equal access for all citizens, including the military, to vote and run for office,” added the Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, US President Donald Trump made new statements about the need to hold elections in Ukraine.