"I will not take a loan for the elections. I will not take [funds from the defence budget] for the elections" — Zelenskyy comments on the possibility of holding elections under martial law

The President of Ukraine said he was ready to join the organisation of the elections if partners provide financial support and members of the parliament are ready to make rapid changes to legislation.

He said this in an interview with Nataliia Moseichuk.

Previously, he said, the state spent up to ₴5 billion on the elections. It is unknown how much is needed during a full-scale invasion.

To hold the elections, observers need to be sent to the frontline to ensure that the soldiers vote, and the electoral process needs to be organised for the seven million Ukrainians abroad.

"We need a lawful vote. We need the military to be able to vote. They are defending this democracy today, and it is unfair not to give them this opportunity because of the war," Zelenskyy said.

During a visit to Kyiv on August 23, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham said that elections should be held in Ukraine next year despite the war.

"I want to see free and fair elections in this country, even during an attack on it. The American people need to know that Ukraine has changed," the senator said.