Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated Sunday that holding national elections during the ongoing war with Russia would "destroy" the country. Speaking to reporters, Zelensky described the prospect of wartime polls as a "tsunami for the state" that would cause internal division. He said his current strategy focuses on ending the conflict and preserving Ukraine as a sovereign and independent state.
The remarks follow recent calls for elections from Mykhailo Fedorov, a former government official who was removed from his position as Defense Minister. Fedorov stated during an address last week and in a subsequent BBC interview that the Ukrainian public requires transparency regarding government decisions and corruption. He argued that democracy should not be held hostage by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Zelensky responded to Fedorov’s calls by characterizing some of the former minister's actions as misguided. He specifically referenced a situation involving Starlink and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, where Zelensky alleged Fedorov provided inaccurate information about Starlink's use on Russian territory. Zelensky said this incident was one of the factors that led to Fedorov’s removal from the cabinet.
For the average Ukrainian, this policy means there will be no immediate change to the national leadership or the composition of the government through the ballot box. Citizens will not see election activity, such as campaigning or polling stations, in their local communities for the duration of the conflict. The ongoing suspension maintains the current administration's authority over military strategy, social benefits, and domestic policy without a new electoral mandate.
The debate sets a precedent for how democratic nations handle constitutional processes during active high-intensity conflict. While Fedorov argues that openness is essential for the society's morale and goals, Zelensky contends that the logistical and security risks of a wartime vote outweigh the benefits. It is not yet reported when the legal restrictions on elections might be lifted or what specific conditions would trigger a return to the polls. No specific election dates or legislative deadlines were provided in the reports.