Ukraine risks severe division if it proceeds with holding elections amidst ongoing conflict with Russia, warned President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy’s remarks, made public on Sunday, marked his first response following former defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov’s call for wartime elections in a recent address.
Fedorov’s unexpected dismissal last month triggered widespread protests, but his subsequent election proposal faced resistance, being the first such demand by a prominent Ukrainian political figure since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Zelenskyy emphasized that conducting elections during wartime could lead to the country’s destruction.
Ukrainian law prohibits elections during times of war, and analysts highlight security challenges and the presence of millions of Ukrainians abroad or involved in conflict as major obstacles to holding a successful election.
Despite Zelenskyy maintaining a stable approval rating of approximately 60%, recent polls indicate that most Ukrainians prefer delaying elections until after the conflict ends. Zelenskyy suggested that a wartime election could be feasible with security guarantees from international partners, but no such proposal has been put forth.
The President expressed concerns that holding elections under current circumstances would further divide Ukraine. He emphasized his strategy to focus on ending the war and safeguarding the country’s independence.
Zelenskyy also addressed his strained relationship with Fedorov, praising the former minister’s contributions while expressing disappointment in recent decisions. Fedorov’s dismissal followed disagreements with top military officials, despite his reputation for modernizing Ukraine’s armed forces and advancing military technologies.
In a separate development, Zelenskyy revealed details of a communication mishap with former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the use of Starlink technology in Russia. The Ukrainian leader attributed the misinformation to the Defense Ministry, leading to a misunderstanding with Musk’s SpaceX and subsequent tensions with the U.S.
The incident with Trump highlighted the need for accurate information in decision-making processes, Zelenskyy noted, underscoring the importance of transparency and clarity in international relations.
The complexities surrounding wartime elections, internal political dynamics, and external interactions underscore the challenges facing Ukraine as it navigates through the ongoing conflict with Russia.