Elections now would 'destroy Ukraine,' Zelensky says, revealing new details on disagreements with Fedorov

President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed the idea of holding elections during Russia's ongoing full-scale war in Ukraine, warning that such an event would risk fracturing the country, according to a report on August 23. Speaking to journalists during a meeting, Zelensky stated, "If we want to destroy the country, then during a war like this we can move toward elections." He emphasized that his strategy is to guide Ukraine to the end of the war while preserving an independent and sovereign state.

Former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov had suggested wartime elections in a video address on August 18, arguing that they were necessary to restore democratic political competition. However, Zelensky noted that Ukraine's constitution suspends elections during martial law, which has been in force since Russia's invasion in February 2022. The proposed elections also faced criticism from some soldiers and protesters who had been demanding Fedorov's reinstatement as defense minister.

Zelensky stated that while Ukraine has previously faced pressure to hold elections during the war, no partners had offered concrete conditions for a safe, legitimate, and democratic vote. He added that any election would need to accommodate military personnel, residents of front-line areas, and Ukrainians living abroad, while also ensuring their protection from Russian attacks. Zelensky argued that such conditions were currently impossible due to Russia's refusal to agree to a ceasefire.

The dismissal of Fedorov sparked weeks of protests in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, with demonstrators demanding his reinstatement and criticizing senior military leadership. Zelensky acknowledged the validity of the protests but criticized those who used insulting slogans against Ukrainian commanders, emphasizing the importance of respect for military personnel.

Despite the conflict, Zelensky expressed gratitude to both Fedorov and Oleksandr Syrskyi, the former commander-in-chief, for their contributions. He had offered Fedorov four different government roles after his dismissal, but Fedorov rejected all of them.