President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine expressed concerns about the potential devastating impact of holding an election during ongoing conflict with Russia, emphasizing the risk of further dividing the nation. Zelenskyy’s remarks came in response to former defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov’s recent call for a wartime poll, which sparked controversy following his dismissal last month. The proposal for an election amid the conflict, the first of its kind since Russia’s invasion in 2022, has faced opposition due to legal restrictions, security challenges, and the logistical complexities of involving millions of Ukrainians affected by the war.
Zelenskyy highlighted the prohibition of elections during wartime in Ukrainian law and echoed public sentiment that a majority of Ukrainians prefer postponing elections until after the conflict ends. While acknowledging the possibility of a wartime election with adequate security assurances from international partners, Zelenskyy emphasized the absence of a feasible plan to facilitate such a process. He cautioned against rushing into elections during the current crisis, underscoring the potential for further fracturing Ukraine.
The Ukrainian president also addressed his relationship with Fedorov, praising their past collaboration while acknowledging differences that led to the former minister’s dismissal. Fedorov, known for his contributions to modernizing Ukraine’s armed forces and advancing military technology, remains a significant figure in Ukrainian politics. Despite the turmoil, Zelenskyy emphasized his commitment to navigating the country toward peace and safeguarding its sovereignty.
Zelenskyy further discussed the challenges of inaccurate information provided by the Defense Ministry, citing an incident involving U.S. President Donald Trump and SpaceX’s Starlink technology. He recounted a miscommunication regarding Ukraine’s access to Starlink for military operations over Russian territory, which led to a misunderstanding with Trump over the project’s approval. The episode underscored the complexities of decision-making in the defense sector and its implications for international relations.