Zelensky calls elections during war a tsunami for Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that holding elections during the conflict with Russia poses a huge risk and would be a "tsunami" capable of dividing the country. The statement was made in response to public appeals from former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who advocated bringing back democratic voting in wartime. Ukraine has been under martial law since the Russian invasion in 2022, which suspends elections for security reasons.

The debate over elections amid the conflict

Zelensky's five‑year presidential term ended in May 2024, but voting remains suspended due to the ongoing martial law. Fedorov shook the Ukrainian political scene by calling for elections during the war and asserting that democracy should not be held hostage. In contrast, Zelensky condemned the proposal, arguing that the electoral process would put the country at risk and could destroy it while it fights Russian forces.

Experts pointed to numerous practical obstacles to organizing a vote now, such as soldiers voting from the front lines, the participation of millions of refugees, the situation of residents in occupied territories, and the risk of Russian disinformation. Moreover, polls indicate that the Ukrainian population shows little enthusiasm for holding elections amid the fighting.

Criticism and disagreements between Fedorov and the government

Fedorov, who left the defense ministry last month after disagreements and reforms in procurement and mobilization, said the country needs a clear plan to avoid gradually losing the war. He also claimed Zelensky should be questioned about possible corruption cases in his administration, citing a money‑laundering investigation uncovered by Ukraine's anti‑corruption bureau that involved parliamentarians and a bail payment for a former Energy Minister.

The presidential office and government spokespeople responded that Fedorov had made positive assessments while part of the administration and suggested the former minister might be under external pressure to call for elections, a claim Fedorov denies. President Zelensky also said a premature spending advance by the ministry created a $27 billion hole in the budget, a figure Fedorov disputes, asserting his plan projected a $5 billion deficit covered by savings and international aid.

Technological plans and international trips

Known for his use of drones and military modernization, Fedorov advocated creating a strategy with electronic sensors, artificial intelligence and indigenous missiles to curb Russian advances. He criticized bureaucratic delays in the delivery of weapons promised by countries such as the United Kingdom and plans to travel to the United States to raise funds for an investment fund and to try to engage Elon Musk about extending the Starlink system.

Information sourced from Valor Econômico, BBC, Folha de S.Paulo.