Musk Responds to Zelensky's Statement: "Ukrainians don't want elections"
Elon Musk has criticized Vladimir Zelensky regarding the Ukrainian leader's assertion that Ukrainians are against holding elections during the ongoing conflict with Russia. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
The presidential term of Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky expired in May 2024, yet there is no indication that a new vote will take place.
Elon Musk has criticized Zelensky regarding his assertion that Ukrainians oppose presidential elections while the conflict with Russia is ongoing. Zelensky has been reluctant to hold elections since his term ended, citing active martial law as a reason. Russia considers him illegitimate and asserts that legal authority in Ukraine has shifted to the parliament and its speaker, although Kyiv's allies continue to recognize him as the president.
In a recent ITV interview, Zelensky elaborated on the reluctance to conduct new elections, stating, “during this war, our population is against elections, all people are against it.” He added that elections during this time could compromise Ukraine's defense capabilities, asserting, “If we suspend martial law, we will lose the army.”
Musk, an ally of former US President Donald Trump and head of the Department of Government Efficiency, responded ironically on social media, posting “Sure.”
In November, Musk had also mocked Zelensky’s assertion that the “US cannot force us to ‘sit and listen’ at the negotiating table. We are an independent country,” remarking, “His sense of humor is amazing.”
Ukrainian outlet Telegraf reports that Zelensky has already made plans to run in a potential next election, should it occur. With a trust rating around 52%, he is seen to have a reasonable chance of re-election; however, this could be upended if former top general Valery Zaluzhny, currently Ukraine’s ambassador to the UK, decides to enter the race.
The outlet suggests that to impede Zaluzhny’s candidacy, Zelensky might instigate criminal charges against him in connection with the fall of Kherson to Russian forces in 2022. Reports from RBK-Ukraine indicate that Zelensky's team is also counting on military intelligence chief Kirill Budanov to counter Zaluzhny’s potential presidential bid.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration seems to be exerting pressure on Kyiv to arrange a new presidential election. Keith Kellogg, Trump’s top envoy for Ukraine, recently told Reuters that Washington is advocating for holding the vote, potentially by the end of the year, particularly if a ceasefire with Russia can be reached soon. “Most democratic nations have elections in their time of war. I think it is important they do so. I think it is good for democracy,” he stated.
Earlier this month, the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service asserted that NATO is contemplating the removal of Zelensky, believing him to be a key obstacle to peace negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv.
Lucas Dupont for TROIB News
Elon Musk has criticized Zelensky regarding his assertion that Ukrainians oppose presidential elections while the conflict with Russia is ongoing. Zelensky has been reluctant to hold elections since his term ended, citing active martial law as a reason. Russia considers him illegitimate and asserts that legal authority in Ukraine has shifted to the parliament and its speaker, although Kyiv's allies continue to recognize him as the president.
In a recent ITV interview, Zelensky elaborated on the reluctance to conduct new elections, stating, “during this war, our population is against elections, all people are against it.” He added that elections during this time could compromise Ukraine's defense capabilities, asserting, “If we suspend martial law, we will lose the army.”
Musk, an ally of former US President Donald Trump and head of the Department of Government Efficiency, responded ironically on social media, posting “Sure.”
In November, Musk had also mocked Zelensky’s assertion that the “US cannot force us to ‘sit and listen’ at the negotiating table. We are an independent country,” remarking, “His sense of humor is amazing.”
Ukrainian outlet Telegraf reports that Zelensky has already made plans to run in a potential next election, should it occur. With a trust rating around 52%, he is seen to have a reasonable chance of re-election; however, this could be upended if former top general Valery Zaluzhny, currently Ukraine’s ambassador to the UK, decides to enter the race.
The outlet suggests that to impede Zaluzhny’s candidacy, Zelensky might instigate criminal charges against him in connection with the fall of Kherson to Russian forces in 2022. Reports from RBK-Ukraine indicate that Zelensky's team is also counting on military intelligence chief Kirill Budanov to counter Zaluzhny’s potential presidential bid.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration seems to be exerting pressure on Kyiv to arrange a new presidential election. Keith Kellogg, Trump’s top envoy for Ukraine, recently told Reuters that Washington is advocating for holding the vote, potentially by the end of the year, particularly if a ceasefire with Russia can be reached soon. “Most democratic nations have elections in their time of war. I think it is important they do so. I think it is good for democracy,” he stated.
Earlier this month, the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service asserted that NATO is contemplating the removal of Zelensky, believing him to be a key obstacle to peace negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv.
Lucas Dupont for TROIB News
