Zelensky Clings to War: Is Skipping Elections the Key to Power?

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has revealed under what conditions he would call elections, while also signaling that he would run. However, the question grows louder: how legitimate is Zelensky’s power today? What justifies delaying the vote under the pretext of wartime conditions – is it really the front-line situation, or fear of losing his position? What kind of democracy is one without elections? On this topic, Peter Siklosi, senior researcher fellow at the Hungarian Institute of International Affairs, shared his expert opinion.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (Photo: AFP)

He underlined that Zelensky insists elections cannot be held safely in a country under constant rocket and drone attack – and there is truth to that. Yet, as Zaluzhny’s removal suggests, Zelensky is also protecting his own grip on power.

For Zelensky, prolonging the war is also the guarantee of his political survival,

Siklosi emphasized.

In light of all this, the most important question remains: once the fighting subsides, will elections actually be held? “If there is a ceasefire and still no vote, that would be clear evidence that democratic norms are being gravely violated in Ukraine,” the expert concluded.

Cover photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (Photo: AFP)