Zelenskyy Says No to Wartime Election, Leaves Decision to Western Allies

Zelenskyy rejected ousted defence minister Fedorov's call for an election during the war, calling a vote a "tsunami for the state." Under Ukraine's martial law — emergency rules that suspend normal political activity — elections are barred during conflict. Zelenskyy's term expired May 2024. He said he would support elections only if Western allies guarantee safe voting for soldiers, front-line residents, and Ukrainians abroad — effectively leaving the decision to them.