Wartime election would 'destroy' Ukraine, Zelenskiy says
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has rejected calls for wartime elections, arguing that a vote during the Russian invasion would divide the population and weaken the state. This stance follows public pressure from ousted Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who told Reuters on August 25 that Ukraine appears to be slowly losing the war. Fedorov claims the country needs changes to avoid defeat and previously asserted that Zelenskiy has questions to answer regarding corruption. These internal disputes coincide with the 35th anniversary of Ukraine's independence on August 24.
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- ✓ President Volodymyr Zelenskiy believes holding elections during the Russian invasion would divide Ukraine and weaken the state.
- ✓ August 24 marked the 35th anniversary of Ukraine's independence.
- ✓ Ukraine has been in conflict with Russia for four and a half years.
What changed
Mykhailo Fedorov explicitly warned Reuters on August 25 that Ukraine is slowly losing the war.
Live updates
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Zelenskiy rejects wartime elections as ousted defense minister warns of losses
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has rejected calls for wartime elections, arguing that a vote during the Russian invasion would divide the population and weaken the state. This stance follows public pressure from ousted Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who told Reuters on August 25 that Ukraine appears to be slowly losing the war. Fedorov claims the country needs changes to avoid defeat and previously asserted that Zelenskiy has questions to answer regarding corruption. These internal disputes coincide with the 35th anniversary of Ukraine's independence on August 24.
Why it matters
Ukraine is currently marking four and a half years of conflict with Russia. The tension between Zelenskiy and Fedorov highlights a growing rift over military strategy and governance during the invasion. European leaders are meeting in Kyiv as part of the Coalition of the Willing.
What is confirmed
- President Volodymyr Zelenskiy believes holding elections during the Russian invasion would divide Ukraine and weaken the state.
- August 24 marked the 35th anniversary of Ukraine's independence.
- Ukraine has been in conflict with Russia for four and a half years.
Still unconfirmed
- Mykhailo Fedorov stated that Zelenskiy has questions to answer regarding corruption.
What to watch next
- Official response from the Ukrainian government to Fedorov's claims of military decline
- Outcomes of the meeting between European leaders and the Coalition of the Willing in Kyiv
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (5)
- international.astroawani.com — Wartime election would 'destroy' Ukraine, Zelenskiy says
- www.france24.com — War-torn Ukraine celebrates resilience on anniversary of its independence
- consent.yahoo.com — 48 ancient Egyptian treasures returned to Egyptian authorities after FBI investigation
- www.aol.com — Exclusive-Ukraine needs changes to avoid losing war, ousted defence minister says
- newrepublic.com — This Kentucky Republican Is Erasing Trump From His Campaign
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Zelenskiy says wartime election would 'destroy' Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated that holding a wartime election in Ukraine while active fighting with Russia continues would 'destroy' the country by splitting Ukrainians. This response comes after his former defense minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, called for elections. Zelenskiy also faces questions on corruption, with Fedorov saying Zelenskiy has 'questions to answer'.
Why it matters
The comments from Zelenskiy come amid ongoing conflict with Russia and internal pressures on his leadership. The Ukrainian president's stance on wartime elections has created a rift with his former defense minister. Corruption remains a sensitive issue in Ukraine, with Zelenskiy facing scrutiny.
What is confirmed
- Holding a wartime election in Ukraine while active fighting with Russia continues would 'destroy' the country.
- Zelenskiy faces questions on corruption, according to Mykhailo Fedorov.
Still unconfirmed
- Mykhailo Fedorov called for elections, leading to a rift with Zelenskiy.
What to watch next
- Reactions from Ukrainian lawmakers and citizens to Zelenskiy's stance on wartime elections
- Development of corruption allegations against Zelenskiy
- Progress in Ukraine's conflict with Russia
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (11)
- BBC — Zelensky has 'questions to answer' on corruption, Mykhailo Fedorov says
- The New York Times — Zelensky Says His Ex-Defense Minister Was Wrong to Call for Elections
- www.irishtimes.com — Wartime election would risk destroying Ukraine, Zelenskiy says
- PBS — Zelenskyy details rift with Ukraine's dismissed defense minister Fedorov
- Reuters — Wartime election would 'destroy' Ukraine, Zelenskiy says
- Honolulu Star-Advertiser — Wartime election would ‘destroy’ Ukraine, Zelenskyy says
- time.com — A ‘Tsunami’ for Ukraine: Zelensky Rejects Wartime Elections
- www.straitstimes.com — Wartime election would 'destroy' Ukraine, Zelenskiy says
- news.rthk.hk — Election during war would destroy Ukraine: Zelenskiy
- www.france24.com — President Zelensky says having elections in Ukraine would 'destroy the country'
- consent.yahoo.com — Strong-to-severe storms possible Monday, Tuesday afternoons
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