Russia Ukraine war, page-171148

Yep, free and fair elections coming up

Zelensky's words differ greatly from the stance he voiced in May and later, in June, that elections would be possible only when hostilities are over. In mid-August, the Ukrainian president extended martial law for 90 days, until November 15. Normally, the Ukrainian parliamentary elections should have taken place no later than October 29, 2023, and presidential elections early next year.

West Pushing for New Elections in Ukraine

Zelensky's apparent "change of heart" came after the visit of a bipartisan delegation of American lawmakers led by influential Republican Senator Lindsey Graham on August 23. Graham and his Democratic counterparts, Senators Richard Blumenthal and Elizabeth Warren, met Zelensky in Kiev and made it clear to him that he should hold presidential elections in 2024.

"We need an election in Ukraine next year. I want to see this country have a free and fair election even while it is under assault," Graham told reporters during a briefing in Kiev. The GOP senator claimed that Ukraine "has changed" because "in the past it was a very corrupt country," but now "Ukrainians are not profiting" from US aid.