President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized the idea of holding national elections during the ongoing full-scale war, warning that such a move poses a direct threat to Ukraine’s existence and internal stability, Ukrinform reported. Speaking to journalists on Saturday, Aug. 22, Zelensky addressed the recent public debate sparked by former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who had called for a mechanism to hold wartime elections.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. “Elections right now are a tsunami for the state that will split Ukraine,” Zelensky said. “My strategy is to bring the country to the end of the war and preserve an independent and sovereign state. And I am fulfilling it.” The president stated that while Ukraine has faced pressure to hold elections over the past year, no partners have provided concrete proposals on how to conduct them safely and legitimately amid active hostilities, ensuring the participation of frontline soldiers and millions of refugees. He emphasized that holding a vote is impossible under the current security conditions, as Russian President Vladimir Putin shows no genuine interest in a ceasefire. Zelensky also stressed the importance of maintaining internal unity, warning against the creation of “internal borders” or dividing the country into “camps.” While acknowledging that the right to protest is important and demonstrates that freedom exists even during wartime, he cautioned against societal fracturing.