Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that holding presidential elections in the country during the ongoing military conflict could lead to a split and poses serious risks, according to infohub.kz.
According to RBC-Ukraine, during a meeting with journalists, Zelensky emphasized that there are currently no safe conditions for voting. "I believe that if we want to tear the country apart, then during such a war we can move towards elections," he said.
The head of state noted that Ukraine has previously been pushed to hold elections, but no concrete proposals for organizing safe and democratic voting have been put forward. Zelensky expressed readiness to discuss the issue if partners offer real conditions, including the possibility of voting for military personnel, residents of frontline territories, and Ukrainians abroad.
He also stressed that such conditions do not currently exist, as Russia does not agree to a ceasefire. "I believe that during such a war, elections in general are a big risk. Elections right now would be a tsunami for the state 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 implementing it," Zelensky concluded.
Earlier, former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov recorded a video address to Ukrainians, proposing to hold presidential elections before the end of the war. Zelensky's office later responded to this proposal.