In prepared remarks over the weekend, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine cannot hold elections until the Russian invasion ends, unless there is assistance from the United States and the European Union.
Under current law, Ukrainian elections cannot occur under martial law. Since the invasion, Kyiv has extended martial law in 90-day increments. The latest extension expires on November 15.
Kyiv says it needs help to ensure voting access for millions of displaced persons, especially from the European Union. Ultimately, Zelensky said elections can occur if the legislature approves, Ukraine's allies share the cost and everyone has the ability to vote.
The invasion has displaced approximately 17 million Ukrainians. Most have fled to neighboring countries to the west.
The South China Morning Post has more on Zelensky's remarks, made Sunday in response to a request by a prominent Republican senator:
Top American legislators visited Kyiv on August 23, among them Senator Lindsey Graham, who heaped praise on Kyiv's fight against Russian President Vladimir Putin but said the country needed to show it was different by holding elections in wartime.
Zelensky, in a television interview with Natalia Moseichuk, an anchor for the 1+1 Channel, said he had discussed the issue with Graham, including the question of funding and the need to change the law.
“I gave Lindsey a very simple answer very quickly,” he said. “He was very pleased with it. As long as our legislators are willing to do it.”
He said it cost 5 billion hryvnia (US$135 million) to hold elections in peacetime. “I don't know how much is needed in wartime,” he said. “So I told him that if the US and Europe provide financial support …”
However, Zelensky added, “I will not take money from weapons and give it to elections.”
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This is what I would say to the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky take a long walk off of a short pier.
That sums it up. Zelinsky is a corrupt oligarch in bed with Biden. Both should be in jail and all money pulled from Ukraine. Force a peace agreement.
I agree 100%
What a joke, we can’t even run our own elections.
That’s why he wants the Dems to run ukraines.
There’s a lot of truth in that statement.
I agree with Bill. Zelensky should take a long walk off a a short pier.
That person comes here as a hero and gets all the money he can from us and all the weapons he can. Then he goes around asking other countries. Then he asks for food, which we would give but the food doesn’t get distributed to their people. Where is it?
We should be helping the American People instead of giving money and arms away.
Tell him to stick it his ear
he really is like Putkin in this regard
Why should Americans pay for his elections? Screw him!!
Why? Weve paid Billions since war began to date
Because guess who wants to get his return on his investments? With YOURS and mine tax dollars.
I agree…What a joke. Afraid the joke is on us though. How much dumber can we get?
Let’s not throw good money after bad.