Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that holding an election during the ongoing conflict with Russia would have disastrous consequences, potentially dividing the country. Zelenskyy’s remarks come in response to former defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov’s recent call for a wartime poll, which stirred controversy following Fedorov’s unexpected dismissal last month.
Zelenskyy emphasized that conducting elections during wartime is prohibited by Ukrainian law. He highlighted the security challenges and logistical complexities posed by the conflict, with millions of Ukrainians either displaced, under Russian control, or engaged in frontline combat, making the prospect of a fair and feasible election unrealistic.
Despite Zelenskyy’s approval rating remaining stable around 60%, recent polls indicate that a majority of Ukrainians prefer to delay elections until after the conflict ceases. Zelenskyy expressed openness to the idea of a wartime election if security guarantees were provided by international partners, although no concrete proposal has been put forward in this regard.
The president also addressed his strained relationship with Fedorov, acknowledging their shared history but noting diverging paths in recent times. Fedorov, known for his efforts in modernizing Ukraine’s military capabilities, was relieved of his duties following reported disagreements with military leadership. While Fedorov’s call for an election has generated significant attention, it remains unclear if he intends to run in any future political contests.
Zelenskyy further disclosed a communication mishap involving defense spending and the use of Starlink technology over Russian territory, which led to an uncomfortable exchange with former U.S. President Donald Trump. The incident underscored the challenges posed by misinformation and miscommunications within the defense establishment, contributing to strained diplomatic relations.
In light of these developments, Zelenskyy reiterated his commitment to steering Ukraine towards peace and unity, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the country’s sovereignty amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.
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