Ex-Defense Chief Pushes for Wartime Election; Zelenskyy Firmly Refuses, Warns of 'Tsunami' Dividing Nation

Ukraine's former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has publicly called for holding presidential elections while the country remains under martial law. This proposal has drawn a firm rejection from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who warned that such a move would carry immense risks and could potentially fracture the nation.

Zelenskyy directly addressed the proposal on February 23, stating that holding elections at this time is "extremely risky." He elaborated on the potential negative consequences, likening them to a "tsunami" that could split the country. The president's strong stance underscores the deep divisions and complex considerations surrounding the possibility of democratic elections during a full-scale invasion.

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The risks of holding elections now are extremely high.

The former minister's suggestion, while seemingly aimed at upholding democratic principles, has been met with significant pushback from the current leadership. The core of the debate revolves around the feasibility and wisdom of conducting a national election under the duress of war, with concerns about security, fairness, and the potential for internal discord being paramount. Zelenskyy's warning suggests that the immediate priority remains national unity and defense, rather than electoral processes that could be exploited or destabilize the country.

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It is like a tsunami that will split the country.