In an interview with the Associated Press, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia's war against Ukraine has entered a new phase, with the onset of winter expected to complicate military operations. The conflict has largely been overshadowed by the Israel-Hamas war, diverting attention from the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.

During the interview, Zelensky acknowledged that Ukraine's recent counteroffensive did not achieve the desired results due to a lack of weaponry and troops. Despite these setbacks, Ukraine has managed to regain more territory previously occupied by Russia and weaken Russian capabilities in the Black Sea, the President revealed.

Zelensky expressed confidence in Ukraine's actions, stating, "We fight for what is ours." However, he also acknowledged the loss of Ukrainian lives and the challenges faced in acquiring the necessary weapons. While recognizing the achievements, Zelensky emphasized that he could not be fully satisfied with the current situation.

Regarding the prospect of holding presidential elections, Zelensky announced his readiness to hold them next year. However, it appears that most Ukrainians are against the idea, viewing it as "dangerous and meaningless" during wartime. Recent polls show that 62% of Ukrainians believe that elections should only be held once Russia's war against Ukraine is over.

The issue of presidential elections has raised questions as Zelensky's five-year term comes to an end next year. Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba initially stated that Zelensky was considering holding elections as scheduled in March 2024. However, the President later dismissed this idea as "irresponsible," highlighting the logistical and security challenges of conducting free and fair elections during wartime.

Under Ukraine's Constitution, elections are prohibited while the country is under martial law. Amending the constitution during this period is also not possible under Ukrainian law. The Ukrainian government has emphasized the difficulties posed by organizing elections in the midst of the conflict, citing issues related to the millions of voters living abroad or in territories currently occupied by Russia.

As Russia's war against Ukraine enters a new phase, the challenges posed by winter and the ongoing conflict continue to shape the dynamics of the situation. Zelensky's announcement regarding the possibility of holding elections next year has sparked a debate among Ukrainians, highlighting the complex nature of conducting political processes during times of war.