NEWSFLASH: Zelenskyy readies for elections in 60-90 days
Deep Dives
Explore related topics with these Wikipedia articles, rewritten for enjoyable reading:
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Martial law in Ukraine
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The article centers on the legal prohibition of elections under martial law. Understanding Ukraine's specific martial law framework, when it was enacted, and its constitutional implications provides essential context for why Zelenskyy cannot simply hold elections without legislative changes.
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2019 Ukrainian presidential election
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This was Zelenskyy's landslide victory over incumbent Petro Poroshenko. Understanding how he came to power, his political outsider status, and his original mandate provides crucial context for Trump's accusations and Zelenskyy's democratic legitimacy.
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Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections
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Trump's repetition of 'Kremlin talking points' about Zelenskyy echoes longstanding concerns about Russian influence on American political discourse. This historical context helps readers understand the significance of a U.S. president amplifying narratives favorable to Moscow.
Elections are currently forbidden from being held under martial law, but Volodymyr Zelenskyy is asking the Ukrainian legislature for proposals to change this.
It’s a direct response to an accusation by Donald Trump.
In the middle of a rant about Ukraine, published in Politico this morning, Trump began repeating Kremlin talking points. He questioned Zelenskyy’s legitimacy, even accusing him of drawing out the war for personal political gain.
Here’s what Trump said:
“They’re using war not to hold an election… I would think the Ukrainian people... should have that choice. And maybe Zelenskyy would win. I don’t know who would win. But they haven’t had an election in a long time. You know, they talk about a democracy, but it gets to a point where it’s not a democracy anymore.”
Zelenskyy’s responded this evening, Kyiv time, in a press conference with journalists. We transcribed and translated a recording of his statement from Ukrainian news outlet Novyny Live.
His response about coming elections directly cited Trump’s allegation, calling it “completely unreasonable” and stating he’s ready to go to the polls immediately:
“This is a question for the people of Ukraine, not the people of other states, with all due respect to our partners. I’ll be honest: I am ready for elections… I’ve heard such hints that we are clinging to power, or that I personally am clinging to the office of President, and that’s why I’m holding onto it, and that’s why the war isn’t ending. To be honest, that is a completely unreasonable narrative.”
After the paywall:
-Zelenskyy’s two conditions for holding elections.
-What needs to happen for Ukraine to safely hold balloting.
-Would a fast election benefit Zelenskyy’s reelection chances?
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