President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has sharply criticised a proposal to hold elections in Ukraine during the war, saying such a vote would risk splitting the country while Russia continues its military build-up.
Key facts
- Zelenskyy said wartime elections would risk splitting Ukraine.
- He described the idea as 'a tsunami for the state.'
- The proposal was made by sacked former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
- Zelenskyy said Russia is amassing ballistic missiles and weighing whether to mobilise an extra 300,000 soldiers.
- He argued the idea was impractical given Russia showed no interest in a ceasefire.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said holding elections during wartime would risk splitting the country, sharply rejecting a proposal put forward by his sacked former defence minister. Speaking publicly for the first time on the issue, Zelenskyy said such a move would be dangerous while Russia continues to escalate its military efforts.
According to the Guardian, Zelenskyy said that “elections right now are a tsunami for the state that will split Ukraine.” He was responding to a demand made by Mykhailo Fedorov, the former defence minister who was dismissed from his post.
The president argued that the proposal was impractical given the current security situation. He said Russia appeared to have no interest in a ceasefire, making the logistics and stability required for a national vote unrealistic.
Zelenskyy pointed to signs of a continued Russian build-up, noting that Moscow is amassing ballistic missiles and considering whether to mobilise an additional 300,000 soldiers, according to the Guardian.
Al Jazeera reported that the embattled Ukrainian president slammed Fedorov’s idea as a “tsunami” that would “split” the country, echoing the language he used in his broader criticism of the proposal.
The exchange highlights an emerging debate over whether Ukraine should attempt to hold a national vote while the war with Russia continues, with Zelenskyy firmly opposing the idea under present conditions.
Why it matters
The question of whether Ukraine should hold elections during wartime touches on the country's democratic legitimacy and its ability to remain unified under sustained Russian pressure. Zelenskyy's firm rejection signals that no vote is likely while the conflict continues and Russia shows no sign of seeking a ceasefire.
Frequently asked questions
Why does Zelenskyy oppose holding elections now?
Zelenskyy says wartime elections would risk splitting Ukraine and are impractical given that Russia appears to have no interest in a ceasefire and is continuing its military build-up.
Who proposed holding elections during the war?
The proposal was made by Mykhailo Fedorov, the sacked former defence minister, according to the Guardian.
What is Russia doing militarily, according to Zelenskyy?
Zelenskyy said Russia is amassing ballistic missiles and considering whether to mobilise an additional 300,000 soldiers, as reported by the Guardian.