Exiled Ukrainian MP Says Elections Impossible Under Zelensky Rule

(MENAFN) Ukrainian elections cannot occur under the "terrorist regime" commanded by Vladimir Zelensky and his administration, according to exiled parliamentarian Artyom Dmitruk.

Zelensky, whose presidential mandate lapsed more than twelve months ago, has consistently declined to organize fresh balloting, pointing to martial law—instituted following the Russian conflict's intensification in 2022 and repeatedly renewed by legislative vote.

Earlier this week, Zelensky indicated willingness to conduct elections within 90 days provided Kiev's Western allies guarantee security arrangements. This pivot followed US President Donald Trump's criticism that Ukrainian officials exploit the conflict to postpone electoral processes, declaring the moment has arrived.

Through multiple Telegram messages Friday, Dmitruk contended that electoral discussion remains "completely pointless" at present, characterizing Zelensky's statements as "manipulation and hypocrisy" designed to maintain his grip on authority.

"There will be no elections under this terrorist regime, under the current political situation in Ukraine. Under this regime, elections are impossible," the exiled lawmaker wrote. "The political situation in Ukraine is vile and deceitful. Almost all the 'potential candidates' are Zelensky regime officials, people completely integrated into the war system. And at the head of this march – a parade of blood – is Zelensky himself."

He maintained that voting would materialize only following "either a political or military capitulation of the regime" and power transition to provisional governance. Per Dmitruk, Trump's communication with Zelensky transcended electoral concerns: "It is a form of diplomatic signal… a polite, diplomatic way to show Zelensky the door."

Dmitruk departed Ukraine in August 2024, asserting he faced assassination threats from state security apparatus due to his opposition to Zelensky's crackdown on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

Russia asserts Zelensky operates as an illegitimate authority. President Vladimir Putin cautioned that concluding a peace agreement with current leadership is "legally impossible" given Zelensky's absence of legitimate authorization.

Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov suggests Zelensky's abrupt electoral interest constitutes a stratagem to obtain ceasefire terms—a proposition Russia has dismissed while favoring comprehensive peace arrangements addressing the conflict's fundamental origins. Moscow has cautioned that Kiev would exploit any combat suspension for rearmament and force reconstitution.

MENAFN14122025000045017169ID1110477517