Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned against holding an election during the ongoing conflict with Russia, stating that it would have a detrimental impact on the country by causing division among Ukrainians. Zelenskyy’s remarks came in response to former defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov’s call for a wartime poll. Fedorov’s sudden dismissal last month led to widespread protests, with some supporters initially advocating for his reinstatement but later opposing the idea of an election.
Zelenskyy emphasized that conducting elections during a time of war is prohibited by Ukrainian law. He also highlighted the challenges posed by security concerns and the significant number of Ukrainians affected by the conflict, making it logistically challenging to hold a credible election.
While Zelenskyy’s approval rating remains stable around 60 percent, recent polls indicate that a majority of Ukrainians prefer to delay elections until after the conflict is resolved. The president mentioned that a wartime election could be considered if security guarantees were provided by international partners, although no such proposal has been put forward.
Expressing his strategy to navigate the country towards peace and unity, Zelenskyy addressed the rift with Fedorov, acknowledging their past collaboration but suggesting that Fedorov may have deviated from the right path. Fedorov, known for his contributions to modernizing Ukraine’s armed forces and advancing military technology, was dismissed following reported disagreements with military leadership.
Zelenskyy also recounted a diplomatic misstep involving inaccurate information provided by the Defense Ministry, which led to a misunderstanding with former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the use of Starlink technology in the conflict. The incident underscored the importance of accurate information in international relations and decision-making.