{
  "id": 2767721,
  "title": "Ukraine: Zelenskyy rejects wartime elections",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/ukraine-zelenskyy-rejects-wartime-elections",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-23T10:23:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "DW News",
    "slug": "dw-news",
    "url": "https://www.dw.com/en/ukraine-zelenskyy-rejects-wartime-elections/a-78475087?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has rejected the idea of holding wartime elections amid the ongoing Russian invasion, warning that such a move would be highly dangerous and could split the nation. The proposal was made by former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who was fired by Zelenskyy a month ago. Zelenskyy argued that elections during wartime would serve as a \"tsunami\" for Ukraine, further dividing the country. Currently, elections are suspended under martial law. Zelenskyy also expressed concern that Russia might mobilize an additional 300,000 troops for the invasion following parliamentary elections in September, and potentially draft hundreds of thousands more in 2027 to capture Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region. In response to Germany's promise to supply 600 Patriot PAC-2 missile interceptors, Zelenskyy stated that these weapons are crucial for countering Russia's Iskander-M and Kinzhal ballistic missiles. Other European nations, including France and Norway, have also pledged financial and military support to Ukraine.",
  "summary": "The Ukrainian president says wartime elections, as called for by the ex-defense minister, could \"split Ukraine.\" He also said Russia was planning to mobilize hundreds of thousands of troops after September polls there.",
  "key_points": [
    "Zelenskyy rejects wartime elections amid Russian invasion",
    "Proposed by ex-Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov",
    "Elections suspended under martial law"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "CBS News",
        "title": "Zelenskyy rejects wartime elections, cites \"huge risk\"",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/zelenskyy-rejects-wartime-elections-cites-huge-risk",
        "published": "2026-08-23T08:59:04.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "DW English (Top Stories)",
        "title": "Ukraine: Zelenskyy rejects wartime elections",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/ukraine-zelenskyy-rejects-wartime-elections-2773159",
        "published": "2026-08-23T10:23:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Financial Times",
        "title": "Zelenskyy rejects election call from fired defence minister",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/zelenskyy-rejects-election-call-from-fired-defence-minister",
        "published": "2026-08-23T11:26:39.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}