Zelensky: wartime elections would 'destroy' Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected the idea of holding elections during the war, warning it would split the country, after ousted defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov called for a vote to be organised.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said in remarks made public Sunday that holding elections while Ukraine is at war would be too dangerous, responding to a recent call from his former defence minister to find a way to organise a vote.
Ukraine has suspended elections under martial law since Russia's 2022 invasion began, a measure still widely backed by the public. Zelensky, elected in 2019, has previously faced pressure to hold a vote from both Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump.
"I believe that in a war like this, elections as such are a huge risk. Elections right now are a tsunami for the country that will split Ukraine," the 48-year-old said, adding that pursuing elections now would effectively mean destroying the country.
Political crisis after Fedorov's dismissal
Kyiv has been gripped by political turmoil over the summer following Zelensky's decision to fire popular defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Thousands protested demanding his reinstatement, while Fedorov launched sharp attacks on the military's top leadership. The dispute eventually led Zelensky to also dismiss the armed forces' commander-in-chief. Fedorov then surprised many by calling for a way to be found to hold elections, without explicitly saying he would challenge Zelensky — a move that caused even some supporters to distance themselves. His team has confirmed he plans to travel to the United States soon.
Experts point to numerous obstacles to holding a vote, including how soldiers, millions of refugees and residents of occupied territories would cast ballots, as well as risks of Russian interference and attacks. Polling shows only 15 percent of Ukrainians support holding elections before the war ends.
Interceptor missile shortage
Zelensky said deliveries of interceptor missiles for US Patriot systems have roughly halved since 2023, dropping from 675 in 2023 to 364 in 2025, with only 264 projected for 2026 despite rising Russian missile attacks. Ukraine is seeking a package of 300 for the coming winter. Zelensky said Russia can produce around 100 ballistic missiles a month. Verified UN data shows civilian deaths have reached their highest level since the war's early months. Ukraine is set to host a meeting of European allies on Monday to discuss pressuring Russia to end the invasion.
