Zelenskyy calls elections during war a risk for Ukraine
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that holding elections in Ukraine during Russia's invasion would pose a major risk and could divide the country. According to him, moving toward a vote under the current conditions could lead to the destruction of the state.
As NDTV World reports, Zelenskyy compared elections during wartime to a tsunami for the country. He made these statements after his former defense minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, called for finding a way to organize a vote.
Martial law and voting
In Ukraine, elections are suspended for the duration of martial law while the country confronts the invasion by Russia, the aggressor state. According to the outlet, this approach still has broad support among the population.
Experts point to a number of obstacles to holding a vote. These include the possibility of participation by military personnel, millions of Ukrainian refugees and residents of Ukraine's territories temporarily occupied by Russia. The threat of disinformation from Russia is also mentioned.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Political tensions
Zelenskyy addressed a group of journalists, including AFP, on Saturday. It was his first briefing in several months amid several political crises, NDTV World notes.
According to the outlet, after Fedorov's dismissal, thousands of people took to the streets. This week, the former minister unexpectedly called for finding a way to hold a vote but did not offer a specific plan. Some of his supporters distanced themselves from this position.
According to a poll by the Kyiv Institute of Sociology, only 15% of Ukrainians believe elections should be held before the end of hostilities. Zelenskyy also said that society and the military should not be divided, while recognizing citizens' right to protest.
