Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that conducting an election during the ongoing conflict with Russia would be detrimental, potentially leading to the division of the nation. Zelenskyy’s statement follows former Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov’s recent call for a wartime poll, which generated significant attention and controversy.
The sudden dismissal of Fedorov last month sparked protests across Ukraine, with some supporters initially advocating for his reinstatement before he proposed holding an election. This would mark the first instance of such a demand by a prominent Ukrainian political figure since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
Zelenskyy emphasized that holding elections during a war is prohibited by Ukrainian law. Moreover, security concerns and the challenges posed by the presence of millions of Ukrainians abroad, either in Russian-occupied territories or actively involved in the conflict, further complicate the feasibility of organizing an election under current circumstances.
The President stressed the importance of avoiding actions that could potentially harm the unity of the country, stating that pursuing elections amidst the ongoing conflict would have divisive consequences. Despite his approval rating remaining relatively stable around 60 percent, Zelenskyy acknowledged the public’s preference for postponing elections until the conflict is resolved.
While Zelenskyy left open the possibility of a wartime election if security guarantees were provided by international partners, he noted that no such proposal had been presented. He reiterated his commitment to navigating Ukraine towards peace and preserving its independence and sovereignty, emphasizing the need to prioritize ending the war.
Addressing the rift with Fedorov, Zelenskyy expressed respect for the former minister but indicated disagreements over certain decisions. Fedorov’s dismissal, attributed to his strained relationship with top military officials, raised questions about the future political ambitions of the popular minister known for modernizing Ukraine’s armed forces and advancing military technology.
Zelenskyy also discussed a contentious exchange with former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding defense spending decisions and inaccurate information provided by the Defence Ministry. The Ukrainian leader highlighted a miscommunication involving SpaceX’s Starlink service, which led to a misunderstanding with Trump and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, underscoring the challenges posed by inaccurate information in diplomatic engagements.
Overall, Zelenskyy’s remarks underscored the complexities and sensitivities surrounding Ukraine’s political landscape amid the ongoing conflict with Russia, emphasizing the importance of strategic decision-making to navigate the country through turbulent times.
