Kallas explains why holding elections in Ukraine amid war is not advisable
Photo: Kaja Kallas, EU foreign affairs chief (Getty Images)
Holding elections in Ukraine during the war with Russia is not a good decision. Right now, all efforts need to be focused on countering the external enemy, EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas made this statement while speaking with journalists.
Read also: Elections and referendum: Zelenskyy responds on when there will be clarity on action plan
Kallas noted that the constitutions of most European countries include a prohibition on holding elections during wartime. This is explained by the fact that elections are an internal struggle between different political forces within a country.
"If you have elections, it's always fighting inside, between different fractions. And when you have outside attacks, literally, then you just can't hold elections because your adversary is outside and you need to concentrate all the efforts to counter that," she added.
According to the EU foreign affairs chief, she sees no signs that Russia is making efforts to achieve peace with Ukraine.
Rumors about elections in Ukraine
After US President Donald Trump spoke about the need for elections in Ukraine, the Ukrainian authorities began working on this issue.
In particular, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that he is ready for elections, but only on the condition that a ceasefire with Russia is ensured during the electoral process.
Today, February 11, the FT reported that Washington is demanding Kyiv hold elections and a referendum under the US peace plan by May 15.
The outlet also claimed that the elections could take place on February 24 — on the anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
A source from RBC-Ukraine in the government noted that the elections will depend on security conditions.
