President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed concerns that holding an election in Ukraine during the ongoing conflict with Russia would be detrimental, potentially leading to the division of the country. Zelenskyy’s remarks came after former defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov proposed a wartime poll last week, following his unexpected dismissal last month, which sparked protests. The call for an election during the current war situation is unprecedented in Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
Zelenskyy emphasized that conducting elections during wartime is prohibited by Ukrainian law due to security risks and the challenges posed by the significant number of Ukrainians affected by the conflict. He stressed that moving towards elections under such circumstances could have a destructive impact on the country, as it might further divide the nation.
Recent polls have indicated that a majority of Ukrainians prefer to postpone elections until after the conflict ends. Zelenskyy mentioned that while he would consider a wartime election if security could be guaranteed by international partners, no such proposal has been put forward. He reiterated that his primary objective is to end the war and preserve Ukraine’s independence and sovereignty.
The rift between Zelenskyy and Fedorov was also discussed, with Zelenskyy maintaining a positive view of his former ally despite their differences. Fedorov, known for his efforts in modernizing Ukraine’s armed forces and advancing drone warfare capabilities, was dismissed following disagreements with military leadership. Fedorov’s stance on participating in future elections remains unclear.
Furthermore, Zelenskyy addressed the challenges faced due to inaccurate information provided by the Defense Ministry, particularly in relation to a conversation with former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the use of Starlink in Russia. The misinformation led to a misunderstanding between the two leaders, highlighting the importance of reliable communication in diplomatic relations.