Zelenskyy Rejects Wartime Election Push From Former Defence Minister

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has firmly rejected calls to hold elections during wartime, pushing back against pressure from his recently dismissed defence minister as political tensions rise in Kyiv.

Zelenskyy Warns Elections Could Divide the Country

Speaking to journalists at the presidential office, Zelenskyy said holding elections while Russia’s war continues would act as a “tsunami for the state” and risk splitting Ukraine apart. He said his focus remains on leading the country through to the end of the war while preserving its independence and sovereignty.

Response to Fedorov’s Public Challenge

The comments mark Zelenskyy’s first direct response to Mykhailo Fedorov, a former ally removed as defence minister last month. Fedorov released a video criticizing corruption within the government and calling for elections, sparking backlash from parts of Ukraine’s civil society and military. His dismissal, followed a week later by the firing of top commander Oleksandr Syrsky, triggered rare wartime protests demanding his reinstatement.

Why Elections Remain Suspended

Martial law imposed after Russia’s 2022 invasion has paused all elections, a measure widely supported given the practical challenges of voting during active conflict, including displaced populations, soldiers near the front, and areas under Russian occupation.