EU Foreign Chief Warns Against Holding Elections in Ukraine During War
Speaking ahead of an EU defense ministers meeting in Brussels, Kallas addressed media reports suggesting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy may announce plans for spring presidential elections and a peace referendum.
“Majority of European countries have in their constitution a provision that elections are not held during war,” Kallas said. “And why? Because if you have elections, there is always fighting inside between different factions, and when you have outside attacks, literally, then you just can't hold elections because your adversary is outside, and you need to concentrate all the efforts to counter that.”
She dismissed claims that Russia is gaining the upper hand, noting Moscow is facing rising casualties and economic difficulties. “What is important is to know that Russia is not winning this war. The casualty rates are surging. Their economy is not doing well,” Kallas said, adding that EU defense ministers are exploring additional ways to support Ukraine.
Kallas also said the meeting would examine EU contributions to Ukraine’s future security, including plans to train Ukrainian soldiers on Ukrainian soil. “We have identified two training centers that could be used for that purpose,” she said.
On NATO’s new Arctic Sentry mission, Kallas noted that the EU is preparing a revised Arctic strategy that will integrate security concerns alongside climate and environmental objectives.
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