Zelenskyy rejects wartime elections, says would 'split' Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has firmly rejected calls to hold national elections during the ongoing war with Russia, citing the risk of internal division and instability. The statement follows political unrest triggered by the dismissal of former Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who had publicly advocated for a vote.
Why it matters
The decision highlights the tension between maintaining democratic processes and ensuring national security during an existential conflict, while also reflecting the internal political friction within the Ukrainian leadership.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in remarks made public on Sunday (August 23, 2026), said that it would be too dangerous for Ukraine to hold an election while it fights Russia's invasion, after a call by his former defence minister to organise a vote.
"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," Mr. Zelenskyy said in the comments.
Ukraine has suspended elections under martial law, a measure still widely supported by the population as the country focuses on fighting off Russian forces.
"If we want to destroy the country, then we can move in the direction of elections during these times of war," the 48-year-old leader added.
He held a briefing with a group of journalists on Saturday (August 22, 2026), the first in months amid several political crises.
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