Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reiterated his opposition to holding elections during the ongoing war with Russia, calling the idea a ‘huge risk’ that could ‘split Ukraine.’ The statement follows a public call by former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov for Ukraine to organize elections despite martial law, which has suspended voting since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
Zelenskyy made the remarks in response to Fedorov’s recent video statement, in which the former minister argued that ‘democracy cannot be held hostage by Russia.’ Fedorov, who was dismissed by Zelenskyy last month amid a dispute with military leadership, has framed the election debate as a response to what he describes as a ‘systemic crisis of governance.’
Zelenskyy’s stance on elections
Zelenskyy has consistently maintained that holding elections under current conditions would pose severe risks to national unity. In a briefing with journalists, he stated: ‘I believe that during such a war, elections in general are a huge risk. Elections right now are a tsunami for the state that will split Ukraine.’ He added that he would support elections only if Ukraine’s allies could establish ‘specific conditions’ to ensure they were safe, legitimate, and democratic. Zelenskyy’s five-year presidential term expired in May 2024, but elections have not been held due to martial law.
According to an opinion poll cited by AFP, only 15% of Ukrainians support holding elections during the war, reflecting broad public support for maintaining focus on the conflict. Zelenskyy has faced similar demands for elections from international figures, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump, though neither has framed their calls in the context of Ukraine’s governance crisis.
Fedorov’s challenge and corruption allegations
Fedorov’s public call for elections has been widely interpreted as the most significant challenge to Zelenskyy’s leadership since the war began. In a YouTube video and subsequent BBC interview, he argued that Ukrainians should not fear discussing elections, stating: ‘If I cannot share my ideas and be open about them with my own society, then what are we fighting for?’
Fedorov also raised concerns about corruption within Zelenskyy’s government, citing a recent money laundering investigation. Ukrainian anti-corruption officials searched the home of Iryna Mudra, a deputy chief of staff to Zelenskyy, as part of a probe into the alleged misappropriation of 150 million hryvnias (£2.5 million) through the state-owned Sense Bank. Mudra was dismissed by Zelenskyy on Wednesday, though no reason was provided. The investigation also uncovered a scheme to misappropriate £2.2 million to pay bail for a former energy minister accused of money laundering.
Fedorov stated that Zelenskyy ‘has questions to answer’ about corruption in his inner circle, though he did not specify whether he intended to challenge Zelenskyy politically. The former defense minister’s dismissal in mid-July, following a feud with military leadership, sparked protests across Ukraine, with critics accusing Zelenskyy of suppressing dissent.
Martial law and Ukraine’s political landscape
Ukraine has been under martial law since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, which prohibits elections. The law has been extended multiple times, with broad public support given the ongoing conflict. Zelenskyy’s decision to dismiss Fedorov, a popular figure known for his role in advancing drone warfare, has intensified political tensions within Kyiv.
The debate over elections comes amid broader scrutiny of Ukraine’s governance, including criticism of military leadership and changes within the top command structure. While Zelenskyy has not indicated any intention to resign, the expiration of his term has fueled discussions about Ukraine’s democratic future amid war.
Analysts note that the timing of Fedorov’s call—amid corruption investigations and political upheaval—suggests a strategic effort to pressure Zelenskyy into addressing governance concerns, though the feasibility of elections remains highly contested.