Maria Tsiptsiura, Onet: Information about possible elections in Ukraine is constantly emerging. I would like to ask you, as a political expert, how realistic is it to hold elections under the current circumstances?
Tara Zagorodny: I don't think that's possible now. The authorities have repeatedly reiterated that elections will only be possible erstwhile long-term peace has been established. Even if there's a theoretical truce for 30 days, Ukraine will not abolish martial law and will not hold elections. And the truce is inactive far away.
Russia sets absolutely unacceptable conditions. They believe that military aid and mobilization in Ukraine should be stopped. All our partners and we have already stated that this will not happen. Even the signing of the truce is not yet close, so it makes no sense to talk about the peace agreement at all. In addition, the Western press talks about the July elections, which is completely impossible.
SYSOEV GRIGORY / SECURITISATION / CREMLIN POOL / PAPVladimir Putin
“The Kremlin truly wants elections in Ukraine. They dream of destabilizing’
Not adequate time?
I was straight active in the election, and I'm certain even if we announce the election run today, we're not gonna keep the deadline. We'd gotta make quite a few preparations, check the records, etc. The election run lasts 3 months. So it should start in 2 weeks. It's ridiculous and nonsense. I think these articles were written by people who do not realize Ukrainian legislation. They can't even count.
I look at all these messages as Russian propaganda. The Kremlin truly wants elections in Ukraine. They dream of destabilising the situation in our country. Their thought is to bring Ukraine into interior conflicts. So erstwhile we talk about elections in Ukraine now, it's not a substance of candidates. It's a choice between power and chaos. And the second is beneficial to Russia.
It is not decent to talk about elections erstwhile so many people are on the front and abroad.
Yeah, that's right. It's just a case of Russians and any people in the West who fuel the situation. Ukraine has a monolithic state. We have the unity of society, and that doesn't suit everyone. That is why there is specified disinformation and there is talk of the request for elections. I want I could say that if the West gives us quite a few weapons, we will rapidly win the war and organize a celebration of democracy. However, the British reminded us that they did not hold elections from 1936 to 1945. All right, their democracy isn't dead.
What elections are they talking about in the Western press: local, parliamentary, presidential?
It is technically impossible to conduct all these elections at the same time. It's a immense burden on the electoral authorities. It would just be chaos. If there is an election at all, there will most likely be local and parliamentary elections first and then presidential elections. That's logical.
I realize that the order is as follows: first a truce is signed, then a long-term peace agreement. Then the martial law is revoked. Then there's the election preparations. First parliamentary, then presidential. So, according to a very optimistic scenario, the fastest thing next year?
Yeah, but for now, we can't even agree to a 30-day truce. If we are optimistic, then let's say that elections could take place in 2026.
“Deserved is the personification of the army and success”
There have besides been rumors in the country that the parties have begun preparing for elections. Is that true?
Yeah, that's right. That's the kind of rumor that goes around all six months. The last time specified rumors were circulated in the fall of ub.r. Even then, any parties purchased advertising space in the spring. Now it's spring, where's the election? They're all over the place. any political players can keep slow activity that allows them to keep recognition. But to what degree these conversations can translate into reality is simply a large question.
Do you think Volodymyr Zelenski will apply for another term? What do you think of the Earner? Is he a serious competitor for the current president?
I think Zelenski will apply for a second term. However, people have long been betting on the Deservator and it is very hard to compete with him. There is specified a thing as political myth. And myths are hard to fight. He deserves the embodiment of the army and success. He's part of a national hero pantheon, written songs about him. Now he's being professional, not making mistakes. I think that he has ambition, is preparing for a future political career and has broad prospects.
James Manning / PAPValerij Deserve
Moreover, it is already clear that the military will always play an crucial function in the country's life. Finally, the issue of State safety will be at the forefront for a long time. And I think the political strategy in Ukraine will be built on the rule of Israel, where all politician must service in the military to build a career. The army will be a social lift. That's why Decent and Zelenski can meet in the presidential election. A well-deserved man has a chance to win them. Besides, he'll build his party.
Who would you bet on, the Decent or the Zelenski?
Everything depends on the result of the war. For example, if Zelensk succeeds in reaching at least the limits of 2022, he has a good chance of a second term. If the boundaries of 1991 are even bigger.
