Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that holding national elections while the country remains at war would risk dividing the nation, according to a report from RTE.ie published on Sunday, 23 August 2026.
Zelensky argued that a wartime vote could "split" Ukraine, as reported by RTE.ie. The president’s comments come amid ongoing discussions about the feasibility of democratic processes during the active conflict with Russia. He suggested that the pressures and divisions inherent in an election campaign would be dangerous at a time when national unity is critical for survival.
The Guardian and Al Jazeera also covered the remarks, with both outlets quoting Zelensky as saying such a vote could "destroy" Ukraine. The president’s position appears to be a firm rejection of calls, both domestic and international, for a ballot to be held despite the war. Ukrainian law currently prohibits elections under martial law, which has been in effect since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022.
The RTE.ie report follows a separate development involving a former minister. The BBC reported that ex-minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called on Zelensky to answer questions about what he knew regarding government corruption. The two stories together highlight growing political friction within Ukraine’s leadership, even as the country faces external military pressure.
The Irish Examiner also detailed a rift between Zelensky and his dismissed defence minister, though specific details of that dispute were not included in the available summary.
What to watch next: Whether international allies increase pressure on Kyiv to hold elections, and how Zelensky responds to the corruption questions raised by Fedorov.
