Kathmandu— Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has firmly rejected proposals to hold elections while his country is at war with Russia, arguing that such a move would be deeply destabilizing and could ultimately lead to Ukraine’s downfall. The rejection came in response to calls from Mykhailo Fedorov, Zelenskyy's former defense minister, who recently advocated for a wartime vote despite Ukrainian law prohibiting elections during armed conflict. Zelenskyy voiced his concerns during a briefing with reporters on Saturday, highlighting the potential for division and disruption at a critical moment for the nation.

Fedorov’s Proposal Sparks Debate

The push for wartime elections originated with Fedorov, who served as defense minister for six months before being dismissed by Zelenskyy in July. On Tuesday, Fedorov released a video on YouTube arguing that Ukraine's democracy should not be “held hostage” by Russia and claiming the country is facing a “systemic crisis of governance.” He suggested that delaying elections indefinitely would be unacceptable. However, experts have pointed out the practical difficulties of holding a safe and legitimate election amidst ongoing fighting, a sentiment shared by many Ukrainians.

Zelenskyy Cites National Unity Concerns

Zelenskyy characterized the idea of wartime elections as a “huge risk” and a potential “tsunami” that would fracture Ukrainian society. “If we want to destroy the country, then we can move in the direction of elections during these times of war,” he stated on Sunday. The president’s strong opposition underscores his belief that maintaining national unity is paramount during the conflict with Russia.

Ongoing Conflict and Military Needs

Zelenskyy's comments came as Ukraine continues to face relentless attacks from Russian forces. Overnight strikes in the Donetsk region killed two people and wounded two others, while a drone attack on Kharkiv injured eight, including a child. The president also revealed that Ukraine is prioritizing efforts to destroy Russian ballistic missile launchers, acknowledging the critical role of US-designed Patriot systems in intercepting these weapons. He noted a decline in the number of Patriot missiles received this year compared to previous years and expressed interest in domestic production with support from the United States.

Alternative Communication Systems Emerge

Ukraine is also working to develop its own version of Starlink, the satellite communication system currently controlled by Elon Musk. Zelenskyy stated that Russia is collaborating with China on a similar system expected to be operational by December, prompting Ukraine to pursue its own project in partnership with a European country.

Funding Shortfalls Pose Challenges

Zelenskyy warned of a significant $27 billion defense funding gap this year, despite higher-than-expected spending in the first half of 2026. He indicated that at least $8 billion is needed for a “normal start” to 2027, with an additional $20 billion required for military salaries and support for families affected by the war. Recent aid pledges include agreements with France for SAMP/T air defense systems and Germany for PAC-2 and PAC-3 interceptors, as well as a commitment of $9.2 billion from Norway for 2027.

Ukraine continues to seek international support to address its funding needs and bolster its defenses against ongoing Russian aggression, while the question of future elections remains unresolved given the current security situation.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.