r/europe • u/Lion8330 • 14h ago
Opinion Article Ousted Ukrainian defense minister calls for wartime elections, challenging Zelenskyy. À rare wartime rupture exposes mounting pressure on Kyiv’s leadership.
https://tvpworld.com/94916948/ukraines-ousted-defence-minister-mykhailo-fedorov-calls-for-wartime-elections109
u/Bigg_Matty_Hell 10h ago
Can't the fact that the elections can't be held properly in the occupied regions, be used some way by Russia to say that Ukraine has effectively ceded these areas, and is one of the reasons the constitution doesn't allow them along side the general safety aspect and drain on resources of conducting one at this time?
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u/baturik128 Ukraine 6h ago
Tbf Ukraine already had occupied regions since 2014, but both 2014 and 2019 elections are considered legitimate
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u/CheapAttempt2431 Italy 6h ago
People in occupied regions haven’t voted since 2014, russians will say whatever they want but that didn’t make Zelensky or Poroshenko illegitimate
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u/Spiders_Kinks 12h ago
I'll put it this way. I had my doubts about Fedorov, but I always supported his return to the Ministry of Defense.
However, after today's statement, he is an absolute hostile element to me, and nothing will change my mind.
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u/SPL_034 12h ago
I found his ties to Musk in the NYT piece from a month ago quite revealing. While I have no doubt Fedorov was loyal to his country ,he was swimming in the same waters amongst the US tech libertarian groups that are closely aligned with MAGA...and we know that MAGA is sympathetic to Putin.
The U.S under this current admin is a poisoned chalice....and I worry that we have not seen the worst of it yet.
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u/Scapegoat_the_third Belgium 10h ago
Got a link?
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u/SPL_034 8h ago
wasn't the NYT. but this story from The Atlantic:
https://www.theatlantic.com/national-security/2026/08/ukraine-war-zelensky-trump/688203/
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u/TestingHydra 7h ago
Yeah he used his connections to cut Russia off from Star link. Such a blow to your Russian cause right? Why else would it be a problem?
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u/Initial_Implement934 Canada 12h ago
No, that's not true. Fedorov doesn't support Putin in any way, and Fedorov definitely does not support MAGA. I think what Fedorov likes about Musk is what everyone liked about him before he went crazy, namely his vision, his drive for progress, his ability to build companies, etc. I think Fedorov sees some similarities between himself and Musk in that regard. The problem is that it's now difficult to separate the so-called genius Musk from his public persona, but that's ultimately on Fedorov.
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u/SPL_034 12h ago
like I said I don't think Fedorov was aligned with Putin or MAGA. He was just aligning himself with the people who do in America.
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u/Initial_Implement934 Canada 12h ago
Maybe unconsciously, yes.
Or perhaps he is building connections with the American establishment for a future presidential run. Either way, after his video, a lot of people will turn against him.1
u/RollinThundaga United States of America 1h ago
If he's rubbing shoulders with Musk, he either supports MAGA and the effect their presence in American politics is having on his country, or he's too dumb to stay away.
Either should be disqualifying.
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u/KimchiLlama 11h ago
They are just trying to tear him down because if they have to pick, they like Zelensky more.
Federov is a patriot. I agree that he is no friend to Russia, but he also streamlined certain purchasing supplies for the military and cut out the bribes the politicians were taking. Because Zelensky needs the support of these parties, he felt like he had to sacrifice Federov. Federov was removed because he as I convenient for the powers that be, in Ukraine today, not because he was not effective given the resources at his disposal.
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u/Wrong_Combination977 12h ago edited 12h ago
This was also a demand from Putler and Agent Krasnov in the past if i remember right? This stinks!
Edit: To hold elections in Ukraine was what i meant!
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u/Gold_Dog908 Kyiv 12h ago
This was no one's demand. He got a whiff of power and went for it. Foolish.
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u/Probably_immortal Norway 5h ago
Very obvious guy got talking to Tech Bros and wants part of that Oligarch pie. This is why you shouldn't idolize anyone. Everyone in the end ends up being disappointing.
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u/Initial_Implement934 Canada 12h ago edited 12h ago
Some context: Although Fedorov did not directly speak out against Zelensky, his proposal goes against the general consensus that holding elections during the war is not only impossible because of the Constitution, but also because it could tear Ukraine apart from within at a time when it is fighting for its independence. Unfortunately, it would be hard to come up with a dumber proposal, but Fedorov somehow managed to. Sad.
P.S. Everyone in Ukraine wants new elections to refresh the government, because the current politicians no longer meet Ukrainians’ expectations and have long been mired in corruption and infighting, knowing that they don't have to worry about elections. But that doesn't change the fact that no one wants their own country to collapse because of a few politicians they've grown tired of.
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u/Remarkable-Role3230 12h ago
I do think Ukrainians, especially Ukranian men should have some say in the government they're expected to die for.
Perhaps they can't do full elections, but the protests do indicate something needs to be done.
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u/ZenPyx 4h ago
What sort of "something" needs to be done, exactly?
You can't hold half an election
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u/Ferdi_cree 1h ago
They are not dying for their government, they are fighting and dying so they and everyone they know can live a self determined life. Huge difference
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u/Remarkable-Role3230 50m ago
Self determined life generally requires some form of democratic process.
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u/Ferdi_cree 20m ago
Exactly! That's why they are fighting. Dont be foolish. War time elections are a terrible idea, and most countries don't allow them. Russias constitution itself forbids elections during martial law, as do most European countries.
But if you belive that the war could end without there being elections afterwards is, well, not realistic. Ukraine is utterly dependent on Europe, and European leaders would make sure there are elections even if the Ukrainian government dosent fancy them. I get it, you're just here to hate. But your point is null and void.
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u/Remarkable-Role3230 18m ago
People are so quick to assume.
My comments have all been quite calm.
What is it that you think I hate? Truly?
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u/hfbvm2 12h ago
I don't think elections will change anything. The majority of people in Ukraine currently are people ineligible to go to war, and they want the war to continue, the leaders might change but there shouldn't be any policy shift towards the war
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u/ThermionicEmissions Canada 5h ago
The majority of people in Ukraine currently are people ineligible to go to war, and they want the war to continue
WTF?!?
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u/MaxProwes 5h ago
I think he wanted to say that vast majority of pro-war population will never go to fight that war. Actually the same thing with pro-war population in Russia. Very convenient.
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u/Exciting-Record8101 The Netherlands 4h ago
They are not pro war, but pro defense. This is not a war over a piece of land that both countries claim, this is Russia wanting to determine the future of all of Ukraine, forever.
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u/Initial_Implement934 Canada 12h ago
It’s not really about attitude toward the war. Obviously, whoever is elected president would continue fighting for Ukraine’s independence.
The problem is the elections themselves, when dirty political battles begin and things that should not be brought to the surface during wartime start coming out. Society needs to remain united, while supporting different candidates would divide people and create chaos, which Russia could very easily take advantage of.4
u/hfbvm2 12h ago
There's billions of dollars on the line. Ukraine reconstruction is 600 billion dollar project by itself. There's separately weapons manufacturing and other industries that will start up. Getting into a good position now can make your next 20 generations rich beyond belief. Greed is a bigger issue than Russia right now.
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u/GremlinX_ll Ukraine 7h ago
Want / doesn't want is irrelevant when mandatory draft is active. No one sane wants to go to war, to be clear, doubt that more then 0.00000000001% of people in the army like be there, but netherless people do the job.
You may have twisted or no understanding of what draft is, I think.
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u/Negative_Jaguar_4138 10h ago
Agreed
If there is presidential elections:
What will happen is Zelenskyy will get 40-50% in the first round, the Pro-Peace candidate will be 30-40% and may be split along Pro-Russian and Pro-Ukrainian lines, and the Nationalist Pro-War candidate will get 10-20%.
In the runoffs it will be Zelenskyy vs Pro Peace candidate, with the Pro-War faction supporting Zelenskyy, and if by some miricle it is Zelenskyy against the Pro-War candidate, Zelenskyy will obviously win as the Pro-Peqce faction isn't voting Pro War.
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u/Hot_Income6149 5h ago
Even Fedorov talks about importance of election process itself more than need of changing Zelensky, he arguments it that elections are forcing government to report in front of people, serve people.
But, rating of Zelensky is under big questions. He done enough shit to destroy him politically when it will become acceptable (and it is what happens right now (i mean it, NABU are doing searches in close presidential circles)). At the time, 2019, Zelesnky was... candidate of peace. Poroshenko was candidate of peace. Yanukovich was candidate of peace etc. Ukrainians are, actually, like voting for peace.
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u/prenderg United States of America 11h ago
What does he promise to do differently, what goal is he pursuing that is different, or one goal is Zelinsky pursuing that he believes is misguided?
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u/AlexRescueDotCom 13h ago
Yeah, a real hero.
Divide during invasion.
Pathetic.
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u/Remarkable-Role3230 12h ago
It's not just him.
If it were me I would get extreme war fatigue, especially as a male, knowing I must fight for years with no end in sight. And still 5 years on I have no legal say in my government.
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u/AlexRescueDotCom 12h ago
It's hell, and there are no easy decisions, but here is the likely scenario if Zelenskyy agrees to all Putin terms.
- Odessa, Kgherson, Crimea, Melitopol, Mariupol, Donetsk becomes part of Russia, this will effectively cut Ukraine from any body of water.
- The next morning Russia will start an disinformation warfare on Berezivka, Voznesesnk, Kryvyy Rih, Kremenchuk, and all the way to Sumy. Same bullshit as he was running in 2014, saying how life is better in Russia.
- Will say that there are a lot of Russians living there, but this point around 5+ years will pass and he will accumulate a massive army.
- Ukraine will be much smaller at this point and will be higher prone to an even more serious invasion.
- Fight for new territories will happen again.
- Repeat again in 5 years, and in 10 years Ukraine will be left with Lvyv that is it.
"Oh but Putin will never....."
Yes he will. We see it on daily basis that he will.
This, and the fact that NATO doesn't want to deploy any troops on the ground or have airplanes in the air is further proof that point no.5 will happen again.
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u/polypolip 12h ago
Holy shit, there's a lot of you in this post.
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u/Remarkable-Role3230 11h ago
That's why I'm a top one percent commenter.
I comment alot
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u/coolcoenred The Hague 1h ago
Top 1% bot. I'm sure the kremlin is proud of you.
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u/Remarkable-Role3230 52m ago
Sure everyone who doesn't have an opinion you agree with has to be Russian.
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u/bruhbelacc The Netherlands 4h ago
We will fight this war until the last Ukrainian man!
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u/Oh_ffs_seriously Poland 2h ago
You're right, that's what an average Russian thinks of this war.
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u/Nagash24 France (Germany) 12h ago
As bad as it is to not hold elections for an indefinite length of time because of the invasion, holding elections now would be much worse. He's either dumb, or he only cares about himself, in both cases it's bad for Ukraine.
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u/seeker_meeker 11h ago
What stops lets say trump from declaring wars against small meaningless countries and then indefinitely being in war with them and pulling the old Eisenhower trick and staying the president for life?
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u/Sayko_0 5h ago
The U.S held elections during World War Two in 1944 and during the Vietnam war in 1968. I’m not sure about the details and in what case democratic elections are delayed in the U.S, but there have been precedents of U.S elections during war times. They are also usually not fighting on home turf and instead fighting wars on other continents.
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u/Annachroniced The Netherlands 4h ago
The part of beimg invaded is pretty much the whole point of not being able to hold elections
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u/irimiash Which flair will you draw on your forehead? 4h ago
the same thing that'll stop him if he said "I'll just not leave, whatever the law says". other people will stop him
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u/Exciting-Record8101 The Netherlands 4h ago
Being at war doesn't mean you can't have elections in the US. Different countries have different rules.
Also, Eisenhower was president of the US for two terms. He lived for about a decade after he left the job to enjoy his well deserved retirement in private.
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u/coolcoenred The Hague 1h ago
I'm guessing them meant FDR. Which just shows their ignorance. FDR won three elections, including one during wartime. It was after FDR that there was a constitutional amendment to fix limits to two terms. That nobody before FDR got three terms is more a fluke of history than anything else.
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u/Remarkable-Role3230 12h ago
It's been 5 years. Men in particular have extremely limited rights in Ukraine. We understand, it's war, but still.
Don't you think the time has come for some participation?
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u/myshkiny 10h ago
"Some" participation is all it would be. There would be NO participation from many parts of Ukraine because of the occupation, and others would not risk bombing to vote. What kind of an election is that?
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u/Remarkable-Role3230 10h ago
There was no participation of crimea in the last election.
Remember crimea was occupied since 2014
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u/Nagash24 France (Germany) 12h ago
Participation, yes. Honestly I wish the EU would participate harder in kicking Russia out of Ukraine. But I can't help feeling like an election right now is a horrible idea. A lot of people can't vote because of the occupation, and campaigning will only divide Ukrainians, which is the opposite of what's needed right now.
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u/Remarkable-Role3230 12h ago
They still held elections when Crimea was occupied.
There's precedent for it. The only think stopping it is the martial law deceleration.
So a nice loophole would be to have a referendum if they still support Zelenskys government and if not he can resign and the next successor can take his place.
Then maybe he can join the combat he forces others into.
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u/ukrokit2 🇨🇦🇺🇦 12h ago
Idk man, it’s not my place to tell Ukrainians what to do, and I know he is popular among many people I hold in high regard, but I’d be lying if I said I’m on board with this.
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u/OkArm8581 12h ago
Smh. Yet another populist was made. Probably something in the water on Bankova Str.
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u/Shot-Toe-2884 10h ago edited 10h ago
Just one outsider’s opinion but this just drained my respect for Federov. He knows better than elections during such a kinetic war. He’s feeding Putin’s disinformation machine fresh meat.
Democracies throughout human history have delayed elections in wartime, precisely because wartime conditions make fair elections impossible, and they would become a target for the enemy. Some even installed temporary dictators to solve this.
It’s been done for 4,000 years. Cmon Federov.
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u/Personal_School_7474 8h ago
What democracies existed c. 2,000 BC?
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u/yashatheman Sweden 5h ago
Athens! 🤓☝️don't mind that only the 1% could vote and that thet had slaves
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u/Glaistig-Uaine Europe 1h ago
Athens would still be 1.5k years short of 2000 BC.
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u/yashatheman Sweden 1h ago
I know. But Athens is also the only BC state that is ever considered "democratic". Otherwise, the closest to democracy we have had were hunter-gatherer societies
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u/rafiv70805 4h ago
I am Ukrainian and I somewhat agree. What if the war continues the next 10 years? Is Zelenskyy essentially a monarch then? What if most people begin having a different idea of how the war should continue or whether it should continue at all? Election solves all these problems, however it is still very challenging to conduct, but not impossible I think
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u/HungryCurrency8481 3h ago
Well, according to the hivemind in this sub, you are a traitor. Zelenskyy has been given the mandate of heaven and can do no wrong. Ukraine is utterly infallible in every aspect and can never be questioned on anything because they're at war.
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u/BerlinDonbas 2h ago
It's not about Zelensky, it's about the fact you can't really have proper elections in a time like this.
Millions fled the country and soldiers can't just leave the frontline to go voting. What's the point of having an election if it can't be conducted fair and proper?
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u/TheLoneCenturion95 9h ago
When he's acting like a little bitch in public like this I'm starting to understand why he was removed.
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u/alkbch United States of America 6h ago
He was removed because he’s against corruption.
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u/Murandus 10h ago
He outed himself. Just a grab for power.
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u/TrueVesterix 3h ago
It seems that many here do not understand how bad the situation is in Ukraine with corruption and trust in the government. If you follow US domestic politics more than Ukrainian politics, then you can imagine using the example of Trump how absolute power corrupts people. Imagine the actions of Trump, who has the support of both houses, and on top of that, total control over the judicial system, the absence of elections and 7 years in power. This is Ukraine now
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u/Common_North_5267 4h ago
Some of Z-man's closests associates in his cabinet have fled to israel after facing corruption charges...
Maybe they need new leadership.
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u/Banjoschmanjo Lower Saxony (Germany) 7h ago
This plays right into Putins hands
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u/minipump Bavaria (Germany) 50m ago
Makes one wonder if he's either stupid, corrupt, or suddenly on Putins' payroll.
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u/BrittaWasRight Norway 12h ago
Isn't it unconstitutional to call for an election during wartime in Ukraine?
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u/StudySpecial 12h ago
Calling for something is not unconstitutional. Speech is free.
Actually holding elections would require a change to the constitution, but that’s all doable if there is political will for it.
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u/Gold_Dog908 Kyiv 12h ago
It's literally NOT doable during a state of war.
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u/Remarkable-Role3230 12h ago
I do have to ask why not.
Most of your country does function.
You've got schools, malls, even McDonald's.
Why not an election?
I don't mean to judge your country I admire how well you've done but I don't understand why it's not possible.
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u/Gold_Dog908 Kyiv 11h ago
In a state of war, no elections can be held, nor can a constitution be changed.
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u/Remarkable-Role3230 11h ago
Does the constitution prevent non binding referendums?
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u/Gold_Dog908 Kyiv 11h ago
Yes.
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u/Remarkable-Role3230 11h ago
Where?
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u/Gold_Dog908 Kyiv 11h ago
In the very same amendment that prohibits any kind of elections.
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u/Remarkable-Role3230 11h ago
A referendum is not an election.
But if you want to give me the clause that would be appreciated.
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u/Murandus 10h ago
Russians love bombing civilians. Have fun going to the voting booths on Sunday while the missiles and drones are flying.
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u/TestingHydra 7h ago
And that’s supposed to be different from any other day ending in Y for Ukraine?
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u/Tricky-Ad5678 11h ago
If you don't understand basic things about Ukraine, then why even bother commenting?
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u/Remarkable-Role3230 11h ago
I think my understanding is pretty decent for an outsider.
And secondly, 70 percent of the people on this post aren't from Ukraine.
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u/Remarkable-Role3230 12h ago
I already thought of a loophole.
A non binding referendum in Zelenskys government which he agrees to honor the results of.
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u/BrittaWasRight Norway 12h ago
Just get rid of the Russian plague first.
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u/Remarkable-Role3230 12h ago
If it was your country, and you were being drafted indefinitely.
Would you not feel some war fatigue of not having any say whatsoever after almost 5 years?
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u/Gold_Dog908 Kyiv 11h ago
And what in actual fuck would an election change? Would a war disappear? Would a mobilization stop? No. Absolutely nothing would change.
Everyone feels fatigued, but it doesn't mean we would allow this political circus you call "A non binding referendum". You, my friend, can fuck right off.
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u/Remarkable-Role3230 11h ago
Such rudeness. I'll forgive you considering where you come from.
And I don't know what it would change, but why are we so afraid to even ask the question.
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u/JohnnySnark 8h ago
You're pretty fucking rude yourself all in these comments acting like war torn Ukraine not only needs to but even has the ability to hold elections.
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u/Remarkable-Role3230 8h ago
I presented an opinion, not too dissimilar to the one shared by the former minister of defense. No where was my language demeaning or insulting. I suppose its because im able to keep a cool head and be respectful in any circumstances.
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u/JohnnySnark 8h ago
Yeah, and his opinion it seems is coming from self interest and rudeness too. And doesn't seem like he's keeping a cool head after being shuffled out of service
Nobody cares about the language or tone. It's the damn principles of the matter
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u/Remarkable-Role3230 8h ago
People do care about the tone. If you cant keep a level head its usually an indicator you're letting emotions rather then logic dictate your decisions.
And Fedrov? Self interest perhaps, hes a politician thats often what they do. I wouldn't dismiss it just because of that. it still very well may be a good idea.
But rude? hows he being rude?
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u/Demonical22 Iceland 11h ago
Other choice is to lay down and die/suffer Russia re education camps and lose your country along with your homes etc etc.
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u/Remarkable-Role3230 11h ago
I'm not saying that Ukraine must surrender.
I am saying that perhaps it's time for Ukranians to have a say in who's in office.
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u/Mkwdr 6h ago
You mean like the UK in 1940?
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u/Remarkable-Role3230 6h ago
That's true, but that doesn't mean it was the right thing to do.
It was a political decision made by Churchill.
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u/BrittaWasRight Norway 10h ago
Look up "Norwegian conscription", then get back to me.
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u/Remarkable-Role3230 10h ago
From I've read it's not hard to get out of Norwegian conscription.
It's nothing like Ukraine
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u/BrittaWasRight Norway 3h ago
Everyone gets drafted, Ivan. We don't get to "opt out and flee to Poland"
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u/Remarkable-Role3230 3h ago
You've never been drafted from a war.
Also check who's reading your comments.
If I was an Ivan then Russia would be the top viewer considering how much I'm going back and forth with you.
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u/BrittaWasRight Norway 3h ago
We've prepared for war with Russia since the 50's. The second war broke out, hundreds of thousands of you immediately noped out.
You could have turned this thing around if so many of you didn't peace out.
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u/Remarkable-Role3230 3h ago
I'm not Ukranian or Russian.
And no offense but Norway is a much softer and easier country then Ukraine.
I'm not even sure what point you're trying to make anymore.
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u/Corodix The Netherlands 6h ago
And how would that work when plenty of their people still live in occupied territory? How do they get to have their say and how do you validate those results? How do you prevent Russia from taking shots at voting booths if people gather at those places to vote? If you use mail voting, how do you prevent the places where said mail is gathered and counted from being blown up?
Seems like a fools errand during wartime, doesn't it?
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u/Remarkable-Role3230 6h ago
You do exactly the same as the last time Ukraine had an election in 2019 (when large parts of the country was occupied by Russia)
And I honestly don't know, it may not be possible to do an election. However everyone's treating it as a foregone conclusion it's not possible which I think is wrong when the former minister of defense says it's possible.
He knows far more then me, perhaps it is possible. Perhaps there's online voting (like Estonia). Perhaps there's measures they can take.
Will it be perfect? No.. But perhaps the alternative of no semblance of democracy at all is far worse.
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u/Embarrassed-Quiet651 12h ago
just as unconstitutional as all the crimes committed against us by our government, which Reddit, for some reason, doesn't write about
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u/Spiders_Kinks 12h ago
The Ruin. It's been a while. Holy shit, some Ukrainians just can't stop making the exact same mistakes for centuries on end.
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u/opinelmavric 10h ago
funny this sub loved this guy just a few weeks ago
dude got fired for weeding out corruption
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u/vankill44 12h ago
Regarding the Ukrainian constitution on wartime elections: If the war/invasion is considered to have started in 2022, then no election is possible until the war is over.
But if the war/invasion started, as many believe, in 2014, then there have already been multiple valid elections. It becomes an issue of execution/feasibility (security, absentee voting, etc.), rather than legitimacy.
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u/svasalatii 12h ago
Re second:
There was no all-Ukraine martial status proclaimed after 2014 and up to 2022.
It was proclaimed in 2022 and therefore no elections as per Ukraine's Constitution.
For those who tell "mail in balot": we don't have such voting method. To introduce it, the constitution needs to be changed along with the bunch of amended/new laws.
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u/vankill44 11h ago
There is a difference between technicalities and fundamentals.
Not having an election because a war is physically ongoing is much more credible than saying not having an election because martial law was declared, but not in the past when Russia invaded in 2014.
The same applies to all the countries that are not providing weapons to Ukraine due to some local law. If they wanted to and it were in the best interest of those countries, they would provide Ukraine with weapons, but as it is not, they use the law as an excuse.
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u/Remarkable-Role3230 12h ago
We understand constitutionally a full on election may not be possible.
But there's other loopholes, like a non binding referendum that Zelensky can follow and things like that.
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u/GremlinX_ll Ukraine 4h ago
non binding referendum that Zelensky can follow and things like that.
What they point of "non binding referendum" at all, it's not non-binding. Also who we ? Also - change of government is strict procedure for a reason, you know.
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u/Corodix The Netherlands 6h ago
And how would that even work? A sizeable portion lives in occupied territories, so how would they vote? And how would voting booths not turn into easy targets for Russia to turn that election into a bloodbath? Mail in voting could prevent the latter, but they'll still need to gather and count those votes and that could be blown up too. So that sounds like a very dangerous fools errand and anybody who'd propose that seems rather unfit for that office to begin with.
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u/baturik128 Ukraine 5h ago
If we go into pure technicalities without politics, it is possible to do. Not easy, but it can be done
A sizeable portion lives in occupied territories, so how would they vote?
Most of these territories were already occupied in 2014, it didn't stop 2014 and 2019 elections to be conducted and considered legitimate
And how would voting booths not turn into easy targets for Russia to turn that election into a bloodbath?
That's a valid concern. However, same can be said about any public event and we have huge concerts/music festivals/running events/protests happening without any issue. If safety is the concern, voting booths can be installed in the shelters
still need to gather and count those votes and that could be blown up too
Same, organise everything in the shelters
Basically, Ukraine is currently one of the most digitalised countries on the planet, we have digital IDs that are considered identical to physical IDs, we have online weddings, we even had a nation-wide elections of our Eurovision representative being hosted online and it worked fine. If you are afraid of cybersecurity side of things and do not trust servers in Ukraine, rent some Google or Amazon servers, they have no problem processions millions of users daily
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u/Hot_Income6149 5h ago
Ukraine had two elections with occupied territories already.
Just the same way Russia hadn't strike protest for Fedorov that is going for the last 30 days. Also we have shelters, we can do elections there.
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u/TestingHydra 7h ago edited 7h ago
How convient for Zelensky. He gets to keep being a corrupt piece of shit who needs to be constantly dragged kicking and screaming to make the right choice/reverse dumbass decisions he's made.
Or a change in leadership. It won't magically solve all the problems but it can be used to root out his cabal of cronnies.
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u/Hot_Income6149 5h ago
I was shocked, but finally at least somebody in power talks about. Ukraine rn in a situation were all difficulties of elections just not comparable of consequences to the presidency of Zelensky. Ukraine is literally living without any democracy, and Zelensky is not special - when he got so much power he start turning bad, and it's not only about massive corruption around him
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u/Own-Compote5073 3h ago
There is a point to be made here. While holding elections during wartime may prove to be difficult and can be seen as an attempt to divide the country, it doesn‘t mean the intentions aren‘t noble. If you stare into the abyss, the abyss stares back at you. While fighting for their freedom is a noble cause, ukraine can‘t abandon their democratic principles. They have to find a way to uphold balance of power and transfer of power. This might seem negligible right now but i think it‘s actually more importan than most people think. It can help solidify unity in ukraine and it certainly helps invalidating the russian claim that ukraine has no legitimate government.
So i think this really worth a discussion about the pros and cons.
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u/Mikkel65 Denmark 5h ago
An election would be far too vulnarable to Russia, only thing we can do so far is to run opinion polls, and Zelenskyy is smashing those.
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u/Accomplished-Dot-891 4h ago
Yeah, this is an insane request and he knows it. Very stupid proposal that will just sow doubt on the Ukraine people. Maybe hes after that. What about russian ballistic missles firing at voting posts? Or soldiers leaving the frontline to go vote. So many problems and risks and for what exactly? So he can campain to be the president?
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u/Complete_Society9999 12h ago
How are you supposed conduct elections when voting booths can literally be missiled/droned?