Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that conducting an election amid ongoing conflict with Russia would be detrimental to the country, potentially causing division among Ukrainians. Zelenskyy’s remarks come after former defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov recently advocated for holding a wartime poll, a move that stirred controversy.
Fedorov’s unexpected dismissal last month triggered widespread protests, with some of his supporters initially backing his reinstatement but hesitating to support his election proposal, a rare call from a prominent Ukrainian political figure since the Russian invasion in 2022. Zelenskyy emphasized that organizing elections during a war is prohibited by Ukrainian law due to security risks and the challenges posed by the millions of Ukrainians affected by the conflict.
The Ukrainian president expressed concerns that holding elections at this time could lead to further division within the country. Despite Zelenskyy maintaining a relatively stable approval rating, recent polls indicate that a majority of Ukrainians prefer delaying elections until after the conflict ceases. Zelenskyy suggested that a wartime election could be feasible if security guarantees were provided by international partners, but no such proposal has been put forward.
Zelenskyy also addressed his strained relationship with Fedorov, describing the former minister as a valuable ally despite their recent disagreements. Fedorov, known for his contributions to modernizing Ukraine’s military capabilities, was removed from his position following a reported dispute with the country’s top military commander. While Fedorov has not confirmed his intention to participate in future elections, his call for a wartime poll has added a new dimension to Ukraine’s political landscape.
Additionally, Zelenskyy discussed a past encounter with former U.S. President Donald Trump, highlighting discrepancies in defense spending information provided by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense. The Ukrainian president recounted a situation where inaccurate details led to misunderstandings over the use of Starlink technology in Russia, ultimately resulting in a tense exchange with Trump. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of accurate information in decision-making processes to avoid misunderstandings and potential escalations.