Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he is keen to hold national elections amid the ongoing Russian invasion, but financial support would be needed from the U.S. or the EU.

“According to the law, it is forbidden to hold elections under martial law,” Mr Zelensky said.

It would be challenging to stage the elections, he said, noting that one prerequisite would be financial support for the process from the U.S. and the EU.

”I will not hold elections on credit; I will not withdraw funds from defence for the elections either,” he added.

“For that, parliament would have to “quickly” change the applicable laws,” he added.

However, the main problem for legitimate elections is ensuring that soldiers can vote, he said.

Election observers would also have to be sent to the trenches.

Mr Zelensky also said it would be necessary to ensure that the millions of Ukrainian refugees who have fled to safety throughout Europe would be able to participate.

”Seven million refugees must be able to vote. We need every vote,” he added.

Earlier, during a visit to Kyiv, Republican U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham demanded that Ukraine hold elections no later than 2024 despite the war.

(dpa/NAN)