Holding election in wartime would risk destroying Ukraine, says Zelenskyy

Key Points:

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that holding elections during the ongoing war with Russia would risk splitting the country and is therefore impractical, especially as Russia is increasing its military capabilities.
• Zelenskyy responded to former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov's call for elections by emphasizing the need for safe, legitimate conditions including military participation and secure voting in frontline and diaspora areas, while noting elections have been suspended since martial law was imposed.
• Russia is stockpiling 600-630 high-speed ballistic missiles and producing over 100 monthly, posing a significant threat to Ukraine’s infrastructure and civilians; Zelenskyy highlighted the shortage of US-made Patriot interceptors and urged allies, particularly the US, to supply more air-defense systems.
• France has agreed to strengthen support for Ukraine, including delivering interceptor missiles, and Ukraine’s allied coalition plans to meet soon to increase pressure on Moscow amid concerns Russia may mobilize an additional 300,000 troops for renewed offensives in eastern Ukraine.
• Zelenskyy remains confident that Russia will fail to capture the remaining parts of Donetsk province despite its efforts, describing the anticipated troop mobilization as a peripheral move aimed at regaining momentum on the stalled frontlines.