Zelenskyy warns elections during Russia war could ‘destroy the country’

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that holding elections during the war with Russia could divide the country and threaten its future.

His comments came after former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov called for a new presidential election following his dismissal last month.

“I believe that if we want to destroy the country, then during such a war we can move in the selection of elections,” Zelenskyy told journalists on Saturday, according to a transcript reported on Sunday.

“Elections right now are a tsunami for the state that will split Ukraine,” he added.

Ukraine has suspended elections since martial law was imposed following Russia’s full-scale invasion.

Zelenskyy’s five-year presidential term formally ended in May 2024.

However, Zelenskyy said he would support an election if Ukraine’s allies could establish conditions allowing millions of Ukrainians, including soldiers, people living near the frontline and refugees abroad, to participate safely.

The president also warned that Russia has stockpiled around 600 to 630 high-speed ballistic missiles and is seeking to produce more than 100 a month ahead of winter.

Zelenskyy said he was seeking 300 Patriot interceptor missiles to strengthen Ukraine’s air defences.

He also predicted Russia could mobilise another 300,000 soldiers after its parliamentary elections in September.