Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that holding an election during the ongoing conflict with Russia would have catastrophic consequences, potentially dividing the nation. Zelenskyy’s remarks came 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.
The proposal for an election amid the conflict, the first of its kind since Russia’s invasion in 2022, faced resistance from supporters who previously demanded Fedorov’s reinstatement. Zelenskyy emphasized that conducting elections during wartime is prohibited by Ukrainian law and cited security concerns, logistical challenges, and the plight of millions of Ukrainians affected by the conflict as significant obstacles.
While Zelenskyy’s approval rating remains steady at around 60 percent, recent polling indicates that most Ukrainians prefer to postpone elections until the hostilities cease. The president acknowledged the possibility of a wartime election under certain conditions, provided international partners could ensure security, but noted that no viable plan has been proposed to date.
Zelenskyy expressed concerns that holding elections at this juncture would further fracture the country, emphasizing his commitment to ending the conflict and safeguarding Ukraine’s independence. The president also addressed the rift with Fedorov, describing the former minister as a respected figure in Ukrainian politics but suggesting he may have been misguided in recent actions.
Fedorov, known for his contributions to modernizing Ukraine’s armed forces and advancing military technology, was dismissed following reported disagreements with military leadership. Despite his significant influence, Fedorov has not confirmed his intentions regarding any future electoral participation.
In a broader context, Zelenskyy disclosed details of a contentious exchange with former U.S. President Donald Trump over defense spending decisions and inaccurate information provided by the Ukrainian Defense Ministry. The president highlighted a miscommunication concerning the potential use of Starlink technology in Russian territory for military operations, which led to a strained interaction with Trump and SpaceX’s Elon Musk.
Zelenskyy’s revelations shed light on the complexities of governance during wartime and underscore the challenges of navigating geopolitical relationships amid ongoing conflict.