‘Ukraine Must Decide’: EU on Possible Wartime Elections

The European Commission said Ukraine should decide when to hold elections based on its Constitution and legal framework, while meeting democratic standards. EU spokesperson Anitta Hipper said the bloc was ready to support Ukraine throughout the electoral process if Kyiv decides to hold a vote.

Ukraine must decide when to hold elections in accordance with its Constitution, laws and democratic standards, European Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper said on Thursday, Aug. 20.

“Ukraine itself must decide when to hold them, with full respect for its legal framework,” Hipper said, according to a correspondent for European Pravda in Brussels.

Hipper said the European Union was ready to support Ukraine throughout the electoral process if Kyiv decides to hold elections.

“There are constitutional frameworks, and the decision should be made by Ukraine – if it decides to do so,” she added.

EU says Ukraine should decide on elections

Hipper’s remarks come amid renewed discussion in Ukraine over the possibility of holding elections during the war.

Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov called on Aug. 18 for a lawful, safe and realistic mechanism that would allow elections to be held in Ukraine.