Zelensky rejects wartime elections, says would ‘split’ Ukraine
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky walks in front of the guard of honor during a ceremony marking the National Flag Day of Ukraine in Kyiv on August 23, 2026, amid Russian invaion of Ukraine. (AFP photo)
President Volodymyr Zelensky said in remarks made public on Aug. 23 that it would be too dangerous for Ukraine to hold an election while it fights Russia’s invasion, after a call by his former defense minister to organize 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,” Zelensky 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.
