European Commission: the decision on elections in Ukraine must be made by Ukraine itself

European Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper commented on the call by former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov to hold elections without waiting for the end of the war.

“As for elections, it is Ukraine that must decide when to hold them, in full compliance with its legal framework,” Hipper said.

According to her, the European Union is ready to support Ukraine throughout the entire electoral process — in particular, in ensuring compliance with democratic standards and requirements.

“There is a constitutional framework, and the decision must be made by Ukraine — if it decides to do so,” the European Commission spokesperson added.

Several days earlier, Fedorov had called for the search for a legal and safe mechanism that would allow elections to be held even if the war continues for several more years. In his view, the Kremlin should not determine when Ukrainians will be able to elect their government again. He also spoke of a “systemic governance crisis” in the state and criticized the Office of the President for appointing its own people to important positions. The Presidential Office responded by noting that holding a vote under conditions of constant Russian attacks is a problem that cannot be solved by organizational measures alone: “Let him hold it between ballistic missiles, what can you say.”

CNN noted that Fedorov’s call increased pressure on President Volodymyr Zelensky at the most inopportune moment. In practice, however, this initiative is unlikely to lead anywhere, according to the outlet. Experts agree that even in peacetime, preparing for a vote would take at least six months — to carry out the necessary legislative reforms and implement European technologies.

Fedorov’s rhetoric changed sharply after the president submitted to the Verkhovna Rada a nomination to appoint Yevhen Khmara as defense minister — the following day, the Rada approved the candidacy with 312 votes in favor. Prior to that, the former minister had stated that he had been the person on Zelensky’s team who valued him most, and assured that he had no intention of going into opposition during the war.