Elections right now are tsunami that will split Ukraine - Zelenskyy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that holding elections "during such a war" poses significant risks that could lead to the division of Ukraine.
He made these remarks during a conversation with journalists, according to Censor.NET, which cites Interfax-Ukraine.
Zelenskyy's Position
"I believe that if we want to destroy the country, then in the midst of such a war we can move toward elections. We’ve already been pushed toward elections in the midst of such a war from various sides. About a year ago, there was such a wave. My position was clear—if our partners offer us specific conditions under which we can safely, legitimately, and democratically hold elections in Ukraine—with the participation of the military, in frontline territories, and abroad, where millions of our citizens have fled to escape the war, safely—that is, without airstrikes or shelling—then let’s discuss it," the president said.
At the same time, he emphasized that no one had actually put forward any specific proposals.
"A Tsunami for the Country"
According to Zelenskyy, holding elections is "impossible under the current circumstances, when Putin is unwilling to consider any options for a ceasefire."
"I believe that during a war like this, elections in general pose significant risks. Holding elections right now would be like a tsunami for the country—one that would tear Ukraine apart. That is why my strategy is to lead the country to the end of the war and preserve an independent and sovereign state. And I am carrying out that strategy," the president explained.
What led up to this?
- On August 18, former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov recorded a message to Ukrainians in which he stated that the country must find a way to hold elections during the war.
- The Office of the President described former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov’s idea of holding elections during the war as "a complete lack of realism."
