Zelensky rejects rival’s call for vote, says it would ‘split’ Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that holding elections while the country is at war with Russia would be too dangerous and risk dividing Ukraine. His remarks came after a call from his former defense minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, to organize a vote.

Ukraine currently suspends elections under martial law, a measure widely supported by the population as the nation focuses on defending itself against the Russian invasion. Zelensky warned that elections during wartime would pose a significant risk, describing it as a "tsunami for the country that will split Ukraine." He added that proceeding with elections now would be akin to moving towards the destruction of the nation.

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I believe that in a war like this, elections as such are a huge risk. Elections right now are a tsunami for the country that will split Ukraine.

This political debate arises amid a summer of political shifts in Kyiv, including Zelensky's dismissal of Fedorov. The situation has seen internal political pressure, with thousands previously protesting Fedorov's firing. Fedorov's recent call for elections, though not explicitly a challenge to Zelensky, has caused surprise and distanced some supporters.

Experts point to numerous obstacles for staging elections, including how to accommodate soldiers, millions of refugees, and residents of occupied territories. Concerns also exist regarding potential Russian interference and physical attacks. An opinion poll indicates that only 15% of Ukrainians believe elections should occur before the conflict ends. Despite facing some domestic criticism as the war continues, Zelensky remains largely popular. On Sunday, Zelensky also announced a new drone deal with Norway, coinciding with a Nordic-Baltic summit in Kyiv where European leaders met to discuss strategies for pressuring Russia to end its invasion.

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If we want to destroy the country, then we can move in the direction of elections during these times of war.