Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed strong concerns about the idea of holding an election in the midst of the ongoing conflict with Russia, stating that it could lead to the division of the country. This statement comes following ousted former defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov’s call for a wartime poll, which sparked significant controversy.
The dismissal of Fedorov last month triggered widespread protests, with some supporters initially demanding his reinstatement but later hesitating to support his call for an election. This demand for an election amid the current full-scale Russian invasion marks a significant development in Ukrainian politics.
Zelenskyy emphasized that conducting elections during wartime is prohibited by Ukrainian law. He also noted that security concerns and the challenging circumstances faced by millions of Ukrainians affected by the conflict make it impractical to hold an election at this time.
The President’s approval rating remains stable around 60%, but recent polls indicate that a majority of Ukrainians prefer to postpone elections until after the conflict is resolved. Zelenskyy mentioned that a wartime election could be considered if there were guarantees of security from Kyiv’s partners, but no such proposal has been put forward.
Zelenskyy stressed that holding elections under current conditions could have detrimental effects on the unity of Ukraine. He outlined his strategy to focus on ending the war and preserving the country’s independence and sovereignty.
Regarding the rift with Fedorov, Zelenskyy expressed respect for his former ally but indicated disagreements over certain decisions. Fedorov’s dismissal, a figure known for modernizing Ukraine’s armed forces and promoting technological advancements like drone warfare, raised questions about the future political landscape.
In a separate issue, Zelenskyy discussed a previous encounter with former U.S. President Donald Trump, highlighting discrepancies in information provided by the Defense Ministry that led to misunderstandings over the use of Starlink technology in Russia. This incident underscored the challenges faced by Ukraine in navigating complex diplomatic relationships and strategic decisions.