(MENAFN) Ukraine has postponed all local elections, extending the terms of regional councils and officials until martial law is lifted, according to reports. Local elections had been scheduled for the end of October, but lawmakers voted Wednesday to recognize that holding elections during wartime is impossible. The resolution passed with 308 deputies in favor, none against, and one abstention.

“To put it simply, there will be no local elections in October 2025,” MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak wrote on Telegram, citing concerns over maintaining democratic standards and ensuring voter safety.

The decision attributes the disruption to Russia and confirms that local councils and mayors will remain in office until martial law ends. It also notes that new local elections will be scheduled according to Ukraine’s constitution, electoral code, and laws once the conflict concludes.

Martial law and a general mobilization have been in place since February 2022 and repeatedly extended. President Vladimir Zelensky has used the ongoing conflict to justify delaying both presidential and parliamentary elections; his presidential term officially expired in May 2024.

Moscow has criticized Zelensky, claiming he has lost legitimacy and accusing him of postponing elections to cling to power. Russian officials argue that any peace agreement signed under his leadership could later be challenged by a future government in Ukraine.

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