Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy cautioned against holding an election during the ongoing conflict with Russia, warning that it could divide the nation. Zelenskyy’s remarks came after former defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov suggested a wartime poll, which sparked controversy. Despite calls for Fedorov’s reinstatement, concerns over security and the challenging circumstances facing millions of Ukrainians make conducting an election difficult.
Zelenskyy emphasized that conducting elections during wartime is prohibited by Ukrainian law and could have detrimental effects on national unity. He expressed openness to the idea if security guarantees were provided by international partners, although no such proposal has been put forward. The president stressed the importance of ending the war to maintain Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence.
The rift between Zelenskyy and Fedorov was highlighted, with Zelenskyy acknowledging their past collaboration but expressing disappointment in Fedorov’s recent actions. Fedorov, known for modernizing Ukraine’s armed forces and promoting technological advancements like drone warfare, was dismissed last month following disagreements with military leadership.
In a separate development, Zelenskyy disclosed details of a miscommunication regarding the use of Starlink in Russia, which led to a misunderstanding with former U.S. President Donald Trump. The Ukrainian president clarified that inaccurate information from the Defense Ministry contributed to the confusion, emphasizing the need for accurate and reliable communication in diplomatic matters.