Zelenskyy says no elections possible amid Russian drone attacks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed doubts about holding elections under current war conditions, citing massive Russian drone attacks.

“Just today, Russian forces launched 267 Shahed drones into Ukraine. In such conditions, the issue of elections becomes questionable,” Zelenskyy stated on February 23.

According to him, the topic of elections was raised by Russia and has now gained attention in the United States, but he views it as a dangerous trend rather than direct pressure on Ukraine.

Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine is committed to democratic and internationally recognized elections, but conducting them during an active war is unrealistic.

“How can people vote in a war zone? How can soldiers at the front participate? I don’t see how. How can you vote when 267 drones are launched in a single day? The Russians are completely irrational,” he said.

Zelenskyy also criticized recent US statements suggesting Russia wants to end the war, pointing to the continued large-scale attacks.

“Americans say they see signs that Russia wants to end the war. But does someone who wants peace launch 267 drones in one day?” he asked.

The Ukrainian president stressed that there is currently no way to safely organize voting in frontline regions or ensure the security of international observers.

“How will elections take place in Sumy and Kharkiv regions? What about Kupiansk? Where will the observers be? Will they come to the frontlines, to Sumy, Kramatorsk, or Pokrovsk?” Zelenskyy questioned.