The scenario in Ukraine that could serve Vladimir Putin - and bring down Volodymyr Zelensky

An in-depth analysis examines the Ukrainian dilemma: calls for elections during wartime, following the dismissal of former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, erosion of public trust in President Zelensky, and corruption scandals. The main concern is that Russia will exploit the elections for blatant interference, and that going to the polls will be a suicide mission under drone and missile fire.

An in-depth analysis published by the British 'Daily Telegraph' examines the dilemma in Ukraine surrounding calls for presidential elections during wartime. Mykhailo Fedorov, the former defense minister who was fired by President Zelensky last month, called for elections, a move that sparked astonishment. Fedorov, who led the drone strategy, was fired amid a conflict with Chief of Staff Syrskyi, and since then thousands have protested in Kyiv in his support. Holding elections during wartime contradicts the Ukrainian constitution, and experts warn that going to the polls would be a suicide mission under Russian fire, and that Moscow would exploit the system to sow division. A recent poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology found that 67 percent of Ukrainians demand a new president immediately after the war ends, a jump from 23 percent in 2023. Public trust in Zelensky stands at 56 percent, compared to 63 percent for Fedorov. Zelensky's standing has also been eroded by a corruption scandal involving approximately $100 million at the nuclear energy monopoly, which led to the dismissal of ministers and the resignation of the chief of staff. Analysts assess that Fedorov's call is essentially a 'letter of candidacy' for the role of opposition leader, aimed at pressuring the president.