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Elections in Ukraine are currently suspended under martial law as the country continues to fight Russian forces.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (AFP photo)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has rejected calls to hold elections while the country remains at war with Russia, warning that a vote under current conditions could put Ukraine at serious risk.
“Elections right now are a tsunami for the country that will split Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said in remarks released on Sunday.
Elections in Ukraine are currently suspended under martial law as the country continues to fight Russian forces. The measure has broad public support.
Zelenskyy Rejects Proposal
Zelenskyy was responding to a call from former Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov to organise elections.
“If we want to destroy the country, then we can move in the direction of elections during these times of war,” Zelenskyy said, firmly rejecting the proposal.
Fedorov made the call a month after Zelenskyy dismissed him as defence minister.
The former minister has significant support among younger Ukrainians, with thousands calling for his return. Some of his supporters have said he could challenge Zelenskyy if elections were held.
However, a recent poll showed that Zelenskyy remained more popular as a presidential candidate.
Zelenskyy also criticised Fedorov directly, saying: “I believe he is going himself — or is being pushed — toward wrong things.”
Russia Could Mobilise 300,000 More Troops
Zelenskyy also said Ukraine believes Russia is preparing to mobilise another 300,000 troops for its invasion after parliamentary elections in September.
He said Moscow could draft hundreds of thousands more troops in 2027 as it seeks to capture the rest of Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region.
Capturing the remaining part of Donetsk is one of Russia’s main strategic objectives, according to Zelenskyy.
Germany To Supply Patriot Interceptors
As Russian missile attacks on Ukraine continue, Zelenskyy said Kyiv had reached an agreement with Germany for the supply of 600 Patriot PAC-2 missile interceptors during 2027 and 2028.
The announcement came after German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul visited Ukraine on Saturday.
The Patriot system is the only weapon in Ukraine’s arsenal capable of intercepting Russia’s Iskander-M and Kinzhal ballistic missiles, but Kyiv is facing shortages of ammunition for the system.
France also promised on Saturday to provide new interceptor missiles.
Europe Steps Up Support
European countries are seeking to help Ukraine address a shortfall in US support as Washington, under President Donald Trump, has shown increasing reluctance to assist Kyiv.
Norway has also announced plans to provide another 85 billion Norwegian crowns, or about $9.2 billion and €7.8 billion, in financial support to Ukraine during the 2027 fiscal year.
For Zelenskyy, however, the immediate political question remains whether Ukraine can safely hold elections while the war continues.
His rejection of the proposal comes as Kyiv faces continued Russian attacks, concerns over a possible new Russian mobilisation and the need for greater air defence support from its European partners.
Key Questions Answered
Ask News18Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has rejected calls to hold elections while the country is at war with Russia, stating that a vote under current conditions would be too dangerous and could divide the nation. Ukrainian law also prohibits holding elections under martial law, which is currently in effect.
Ask News18About the Author
Shuddhanta Patra is an Indian journalist with about nine years of experience in covering national politics, geopolitics, defence, diplomacy and international affairs. Her reporting focuses on South As…Read More
August 23, 2026, 5:42 PM IST
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