Zelensky: Elections during wartime would be a 'tsunami' for Ukraine

President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly rejected the idea of holding elections while Ukraine remains under Russian attack, calling it a potential "tsunami" that would divide the country. His stance comes ahead of Ukraine's Independence Day and a planned summit, pushing back against calls for a return to the polls, notably from his former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.

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If we want to destroy the country, then we can move in the direction of elections in these times of war. I believe that elections would be a risk.

Zelensky argued that conducting elections amid the ongoing invasion would be a significant risk. He highlighted the practical challenges, questioning how to facilitate voting for soldiers on the front lines, millions of refugees abroad, or citizens in Russian-occupied territories. The president also raised concerns about the potential for Russian disinformation campaigns to influence any wartime election.

Fedorov had previously advocated for restoring Ukraine's democratic process even during prolonged conflict, suggesting the need to find a realistic mechanism. However, Zelensky countered that while he would discuss elections if partners offered specific, safe, legitimate, and democratic conditions, no such proposals have materialized. He emphasized that holding elections under current circumstances is "impossible."

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Democracy cannot be held hostage by Russia.

Separately, Zelensky addressed an internal corruption probe that touched his inner circle, leading to the dismissal of his former deputy head of the presidential office, Iryna Mudra, on suspicion of money laundering. Zelensky stated that the heads of anti-corruption agencies were not posing questions to him, implying they understood he was not involved.

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If the partners offer us specific conditions under which we can hold elections in Ukraine safely, legitimately, and democratically, then let's discuss it. But no one has ever presented specific proposals. Because this is impossible in the current conditions.