President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine expressed grave concerns about the potential impact of holding an election during the ongoing conflict with Russia, stating that such a move would lead to the division of the country. This statement came following a call for a wartime poll by former defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who was recently removed from his position, sparking protests across Ukraine.
Addressing the issue, Zelenskyy emphasized that conducting elections amid the current war situation would be detrimental to Ukraine, as it is against the country’s laws and poses significant security challenges. He highlighted that the presence of millions of Ukrainians affected by the conflict, whether living under Russian occupation or actively engaged in combat, would further complicate the electoral process.
Despite his approval rating remaining relatively stable, Zelenskyy acknowledged the public’s reluctance to engage in elections at this time. Citing a recent poll indicating that a majority of Ukrainians prefer postponing elections until after the conflict ceases, Zelenskyy stressed the need for a peaceful resolution to the war to safeguard the unity and sovereignty of the nation.
Regarding his relationship with Fedorov, Zelenskyy maintained a positive stance but noted disagreements over certain decisions, particularly in defense spending. He recounted an incident involving inaccurate information provided by the Defense Ministry that led to a misunderstanding with U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the use of Starlink technology in Russia. This misinformation resulted in a contentious exchange between Zelenskyy and Trump, with Musk’s alleged denial of allowing Ukraine to utilize Starlink over Russian territory causing friction between the two leaders.
Zelenskyy’s remarks underscored the complexities of navigating wartime challenges and the importance of transparent communication in international relations to avoid misunderstandings that could escalate tensions.