Zelenskyy rejects calls for elections amid ongoing Russia war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed calls for holding elections during the ongoing war with Russia, warning that it could split the country. He criticized the idea, stating it was impractical given Russia's apparent lack of interest in a ceasefire. Zelenskyy emphasized that elections would pose a significant risk to Ukraine's unity and independence.

He reaffirmed his commitment to ending the war and preserving Ukraine's sovereignty. The Ukrainian president noted that elections have been suspended since martial law was imposed at the start of the full-scale invasion. Zelenskyy expressed openness to holding elections under specific conditions, including the participation of military personnel in frontline territories and the absence of strikes and shelling.

However, he stressed that such a poll would require taking place safely, without threats. Russia reportedly possesses a stockpile of 600-630 high-speed ballistic missiles, with the potential to produce an additional 100 monthly in preparation for winter. These missiles have been utilized to bomb Ukrainian infrastructure and target the capital, leading to increased civilian casualties.

Zelenskyy highlighted the shortage of US-made Patriot interceptors, which are crucial in countering these missiles. He expressed his desire to secure 300 Patriot missiles for the winter package, currently falling short of the required 360. The president also mentioned recent agreements with France and Germany for the supply of air-defense systems.