After the Russian invasion in 2022, Ukrainian political life was calmed by martial law. Now, however, there are growing signs of activation, as the United States wants a quick end to the war, writes „Reuters“, News.bg reports.
Domestic political tensions and accusations
In the past week, one Ukrainian political camp has accused President Volodymyr Zelensky's team of thinking more about the elections than the war.
Kiev Mayor Vitali Klitschko said that a presidential appointee was sabotaging his work, and leading opposition figures, such as Petro Poroshenko and Yulia Tymoshenko, have increased their activity abroad.
According to political analyst Volodymyr Fesenko, these developments are related to expectations of possible negotiations with Moscow and a possible change in American policy, especially if Donald Trump returns to the White House.
Discussions about upcoming elections
„Reuters“ reported that the Trump team has suggested that Kiev hold presidential elections by the end of the year, especially if a ceasefire agreement with Russia is reached.
Former President Petro Poroshenko, who was filmed meeting with foreign officials, has denied preparing for elections, saying they would favor Vladimir Putin and destabilize Ukraine. At the same time, his party has accused Zelensky of trying to isolate him from political life.
Former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko also criticized the government, meeting with EU representatives and protesting the arrest of a Ukrainian general accused of a failed military operation.
Logistical and political challenges
Holding elections during a war is difficult. Millions of Ukrainians are abroad, frontline zones are destroyed, and hostilities are ongoing. Serhiy Dubovik, deputy head of the Central Election Commission, said that it would take at least 4-6 months to prepare, but martial law in the country legally prohibits elections.
Zelensky himself, whose term expires in May 2024, said that elections would only be held after the end of the war, without specifying whether he would run. At the same time, Vladimir Putin claims that Zelensky is not a legitimate leader.
A possible new player in politics?
Speculation is also intensifying around General Valery Zaluzhny, who led the Ukrainian armed forces before being removed and sent as ambassador to London. Although he has not declared political ambitions, he is among the most popular figures in the country.
Polls show that Ukrainians are against elections until the war is over.
Anton Hrushetsky of the Kiev Institute for Sociological Research said that the priority for the majority is victory in the war, and then - elections.