Zelenskyy Opposes Wartime Elections in Ukraine

President Zelenskyy warns that holding elections during wartime could risk further division in Ukraine amid ongoing Russian aggression.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has voiced strong opposition to the idea of holding elections in Ukraine while the country is at war, asserting that such a move could fracture the nation at a time when it is facing significant external threats.

In his first response to former defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov’s call for a presidential election during the ongoing conflict with Russia, Zelenskyy characterized the notion as impractical given the absence of a ceasefire. He remarked, ‘I believe that if we want to destroy the country, then during such a war we can move in the selection of elections. I believe that during such a war, elections in general are big risks. Elections right now are a tsunami for the state that will split Ukraine.’

Since martial law was instituted in Ukraine following the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion, elections have been on hold. Although Zelenskyy’s five-year term ended in May 2024, the ongoing war has dampened any significant desire for electoral contests. Fedorov’s comments, however, represent the most overt challenge to Zelenskyy’s authority since the invasion began.

Zelenskyy further noted that while he would consider supporting elections if there were ‘specific conditions’ enabling them to be held safely and democratically, such conditions would need to include military participation in frontline territories and among citizens displaced abroad. He emphasized that elections must occur without the threat of shelling or strikes.

On the matter of Russia’s military capabilities, Zelenskyy revealed that Russia possesses a stockpile of between 600 and 630 high-speed ballistic missiles, a weapon type that has been devastatingly effective against Ukrainian infrastructure and civilian populations. He pointed out that Russian production efforts could yield a little more than 100 additional missiles monthly as the cold months approach.

‘I wanted to secure 300 Patriot missiles for the winter package. The request from our air force is 360,’ Zelenskyy stated, underlining the urgent need for Ukraine to bolster its air defenses amidst rising threats. He acknowledged that securing these defenses has been difficult, as only about 600 of the most capable PAC-3 interceptor missiles are produced annually. Zelenskyy also discussed agreements with France for interceptor missile systems and with Germany for additional PAC-2 and PAC-3 interceptors over the coming years.

In his appeal to the United States, Zelenskyy highlighted the potential impact that even a small percentage of American stockpiles could have on Ukraine’s defensive capabilities, urging cooperation in securing their winter preparedness.

Echoing the sentiments of Western leaders, Zelenskyy conveyed confidence that Moscow’s ambitions to regain momentum by conscripting another 300,000 soldiers would ultimately fail. He suggested that the impending parliamentary elections in Russia would serve as a backdrop as the Kremlin seeks to strengthen its military alignment in eastern Ukraine.

Zelenskyy maintained that despite these challenges, he remains committed to preserving Ukraine’s sovereignty and ensuring that the nation remains intact.