Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has declared that holding elections while the country remains under martial law is not feasible. The decision comes amid significant financial strain on the Ministry of Defense, which is grappling with a $27 billion shortfall.
Zelensky explained that funds allocated for the latter half of the year were utilized in the first half to boost drone production and address other urgent needs. He stated that these funds now require compensation and supplementation. "At the beginning of the year, decisions were made at the Ministry to use in the first half of the year funds that were intended to be disbursed in the second half, and that money went toward drone production and other needs," Zelensky posted on X. "Now, in the second half of the year, those funds need to be compensated for and supplemented."
The Ukrainian leader also addressed internal political dynamics, including a reported conflict between a former official, Mykhailo Fedorov, and the former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Gen. Oleksandr Syrsky. Zelensky noted that "there can be no conflict at such a level between leaders." He had previously replaced Syrsky last month, a move that followed widespread protests within the military and on the streets of Kyiv after Fedorov's removal. Syrsky was perceived as representing the established military structure, while Fedorov championed the integration of modern technologies, such as drones, into warfare.
"I really had and still have a very positive attitude towards Mykhailo [Fedorov]," Zelensky stated, adding that while they had experienced many challenges together, he believed Fedorov was "going—or he's being pushed—into the wrong things."
Zelensky's stance against wartime elections has been a recurring point of discussion, with some, including his former defense minister, calling for them to be held. However, the current legal framework and the ongoing conflict present substantial obstacles to conducting a fair and accessible electoral process.