Zelenskyy Warned of the Risks of Holding Elections During a War
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that holding elections during a full-scale war could seriously divide Ukrainian society and create additional risks for the state. According to him, Ukraine is ready to discuss elections if realistic conditions are created for a safe, democratic, and legitimate vote, but there are no such concrete proposals at this time.
The president emphasized that Ukraine’s primary task at this time must remain the preservation of the state and its independence. In his view, the electoral process amid constant shelling and combat operations could pose a serious challenge for the country. “I believe that if we want to destroy the country, then in the midst of such a war we could move toward holding elections. We’ve already been pushed toward elections during this war from various sides. There was a wave of this about a year ago,” Zelenskyy said.
At the same time, the head of state noted that his position on the possibility of elections remains clear. If Ukraine’s partners propose a specific mechanism that would allow voting to take place safely and democratically, this issue could be discussed.
This refers, in particular, to the participation of military personnel in the elections, the ability of people in frontline territories to vote, and the millions of Ukrainians who are abroad due to the war. “My position has been clear—if our partners propose specific conditions under which elections can be held safely, legitimately, and democratically in Ukraine—with the participation of military personnel, in frontline territories, and abroad—where millions of our citizens have fled to escape the war—safely—that is, without attacks or shelling—then let’s discuss it,” the president explained.
According to him, no one has yet proposed such specific conditions. Zelenskyy also attributes this to Russia’s position, which, he said, currently shows no willingness to agree to a ceasefire. “But no one has actually put forward any specific proposals. Because that’s impossible under the current conditions, when Putin is unwilling to consider any options for a ceasefire,” the head of state said.
The President called the elections a “tsunami for the state”
Zelenskyy believes that holding elections right now could spark significant internal conflicts. “Elections right now would be a tsunami for the state, one that would split Ukraine. Therefore, my strategy is to lead the country to the end of the war and preserve an independent and sovereign state. And I am carrying it out,” the president stated.
According to him, the electoral process during wartime is not just a matter of organizing the vote itself. The state must ensure equal conditions for millions of people located in different countries and regions, as well as for military personnel. Security remains a separate issue. During the war, parts of Ukraine’s territory are regularly subjected to Russian strikes, and polling stations, voters, and election commission members could potentially become targets of attacks.
Zelenskyy urged people not to divide Ukrainians into camps
The president also spoke separately about internal disputes within Ukrainian society. He emphasized that even during the war, people have the right to take to the streets in protest and express their views. “I think the ability to protest is important. And, in my opinion, it’s very important that the state as a whole has demonstrated that this freedom exists. Even during wartime, even under such difficult circumstances, people can do this,” Zelenskyy said.
At the same time, he urged people not to let political and social disputes divide the country. According to the president, it is important today to keep in mind the interests of all of Ukrainian society. “When you talk about public sentiment, we have to be talking about the 30 million people who are here in the country. And most importantly… we must not divide the country into clusters or camps. And I believe that this is a problem specific to this period,” the head of state noted.
He also stressed that there should be no internal “borders” among Ukrainians. “We may be different, but we must understand and focus on what matters most. And the most important thing is to preserve Ukraine. And I believe we must not divide society from our soldiers. That is dangerous,” Zelenskyy said.
The president added that Ukraine must be aware of the risk of internal conflict and prevent events that could weaken the state during the war.
What Is Known About the Protests
Zelenskyy also mentioned the protests that took place in Ukraine on July 16. At that time, in a number of cities, including Kyiv, people took to the streets over the decision to dismiss Mykhailo Fedorov from his post as defense minister. Earlier, the president stated that such protests are an expression of democracy and freedom. “People wanted to take to the streets—and they did. That’s right,” Zelenskyy said, commenting on the demonstrations.
Now, the head of state is emphasizing another aspect of the social situation—it is important that differing political views do not turn into a confrontation between separate groups of Ukrainians. According to him, during wartime, society may hold different opinions regarding politics and the country’s future. But the main task remains preserving Ukraine as an independent state.
Russia has not ruled out the theoretical possibility of an offensive from the Bryansk Oblast toward the Chernihiv and Kyiv regions. At the same time, no Russian troops have been detected in the Bryansk Oblast along this route, although the Ukrainian military has spotted Russian military equipment along the border.
Ukrainian defense forces have almost completely liberated the Dnipropetrovsk region from Russian troops. According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, approximately 10 square kilometers remain under Russian control—three small villages where, as the president asserts, there are virtually no Russian troops left.
