Decisions regarding elections in Ukraine must be taken by Ukrainian people themselves, - British Defence Minister Pollard
The UK Defence Secretary, Luke Pollard, stated that the decision on holding elections in Ukraine should be taken by the Ukrainian authorities and the Ukrainian people, citing the example of Britain during the Second World War.
He made these comments during an interview on Sky News, according to Censor.NET.
The British minister’s position
Pollard pointed out that the electoral process is a matter for Ukraine alone. He cited the example of the United Kingdom during the Second World War.
"Whilst the war was raging in Europe, we did not hold any elections," said the minister, emphasising that the final decision on the elections rests with Ukraine.
On communication with Ukrainian officials
The British Defence Secretary also said that he had previously spoken with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and the former Defence Minister, Mykhailo Fedorov.
According to him, both demonstrate a commitment to defending the country and a desire to bring the war to a peaceful conclusion.
- As a reminder, on 18 August, former Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov recorded a message to the Ukrainian people in which he stated that the country must find a way to hold elections during the war.
- The President’s Office described former Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov’s idea of holding elections during the war as "a complete lack of realism".
- The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, stated that holding elections "at a time of such a war" entails significant risks that could lead to the division of Ukraine.
Cabinet reshuffle, Fedorov’s resignation and the new chief of staff
- On 14 July, the Verkhovna Rada approved a resolution on the resignation of Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko. The entire Cabinet of Ministers resigned automatically along with her.
- On 15 July, Mykhailo Fedorov announced that he was stepping down as Minister of Defence.
- Rallies in support of Mykhailo Fedorov took place in Dnipro, Rivne, Zaporizhzhia, Lutsk, Cherkasy and other cities. The participants are protesting against his resignation.
- On 16 July, the Verkhovna Rada voted to appoint a new Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine. The Prime Minister is Serhiy Koretskyi.
- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that he will nominate Yevhen Khmara for the post of Minister of Defence of Ukraine. Prior to this, he had appointed Khmara to act as head of the Ministry of Defence.
- Protests against Fedorov’s resignation continued in Ukrainian cities. As well as demanding that Fedorov be reinstated as Minister of Defence, people called for the dismissal of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi.
- On 21 July, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Oleksandr Syrskyi from his post as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In his place, he appointed General Mykhailo Drapatyi.
- On 19 August, the Verkhovna Rada appointed Yevhen Khmara as Minister of Defence.
