Kyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reaffirmed his openness to holding elections but said they remain impossible during wartime due to legal and logistical challenges. "As regards my legitimacy, I was elected by 73% of my population, and I have always said that I am open to any elections," Zelenskyy said in an interview with British journalist Piers Morgan.

According to Anadolu Agency, Zelenskyy emphasized that changes to legislation and the Constitution are necessary for elections during wartime, highlighting both legal and human challenges. He pointed to concerns over how military personnel, citizens in Russian-occupied territories, and millions of displaced Ukrainians abroad could participate in a vote.

Zelenskyy questioned the feasibility of allowing the military and citizens in occupied territories to vote, as well as the participation of the 8 million Ukrainians who have fled the war. He stated that elections would be called once martial law is lifted, as defending democracy is paramount.

He warned against lifting martial law prematurely, citing potential security threats. Zelenskyy stated that such an action would align with Russian President Vladimir Putin's interests, as it would lead to a reduction in military protection for Ukraine.

On the ongoing war, Zelenskyy rejected any territorial concessions to Russia. He stressed the importance of not sacrificing lives for uncertain outcomes and maintained that Ukraine would not recognize the occupied territories as Russian, describing them as temporarily occupied.