Ukraine’s Politics Heat Up as US Focuses on Ending the War

What’s happening in Ukraine?

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, the country has been under martial law, meaning that elections could not happen. However, lately, politics in Ukraine have started to get busier. This is happening because the United States wants to end the war soon.

What Is the US Saying?

Donald Trump and his advisors say Ukraine should have elections by the end of this year, in case of a ceasefire with Russia.
Ukrainian politicians are criticizing President Volodymyr Zelenskiy for making the elections more important than the war.
Former President Petro Poroshenko believes elections would help Russia and undermine Ukraine at this sensitive moment. According to him, the country should win the war.

What Do Ukrainian Politicians Think?

Former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko has been more active, meeting with European officials and protesting about a general’s detention.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko has accused Zelenskiy’s team of causing trouble in his work.
Some political groups are already preparing for elections, but analysts believe this is too early.

Why Are Elections Difficult?

Elections during a war are very difficult. Many Ukrainians are displaced, and parts of the country are occupied by Russia. It would take 4 to 6 months to prepare for an election.
Zelenskiy has said elections will happen once the martial law ends, but right now, the law prohibits elections.
Zelenskiy’s five-year term should have ended in May 2023, but elections haven’t been possible due to the war.

Public Opinion on Elections

Many Ukrainians would like to see the war end before elections.
Zelenskiy’s approval rating remains high, at over 50%, though it has declined since the war started.

Could Someone Else Run for President?

Some people are speculating that Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, former head of Ukraine’s army, might run for president. He is extremely popular, and his book has sold thousands of copieBut he has no interest in politics.

Conclusion

Most Ukrainians want to win the war first and hold elections after. Holding an election during a full-scale war would be difficult and could create division.