Zelenskyy says elections at this time would be a "tsunami that would divide Ukraine"

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that holding elections during the full-scale war would be fraught with major risks and could lead to divisions within Ukrainian society.

Source: Zelenskyy at a press briefing, as reported by Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne

Details: Zelenskyy noted that about a year ago, Ukraine was being pushed from various sides to hold elections during the war.

Quote: "My position was clear: if our partners offer us specific conditions in which elections in Ukraine can be held safely, legitimately and democratically – with participation by military personnel, in frontline areas, and abroad, where millions of our citizens have gone to escape the war – and safely – that is, without strikes and attacks – then we can discuss it."

Details: Zelenskyy said that none of Ukraine's Western partners had offered specific conditions that could guarantee security for elections.

According to the president, this is impossible unless Russian ruler Vladimir Putin agrees to a ceasefire.

Quote: "I believe that elections in general during a war like this pose major risks. Elections right now would be a tsunami for the state that would divide Ukraine. Therefore, my strategy is to bring the country to the end of the war and preserve an independent and sovereign state. And I am carrying it out."

Background: Last year, Zelenskyy said he was willing not to run for another presidential term if the war with Russia could be brought to an end.

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