Ukraine's President Zelenskyy Rejects Spring Elections Amid Ongoing Conflict With Russia

Zelenskyy Urges National Unity and Dismisses Discussions of Elections amid Russian Invasion, as Assassination Attempt Claims Life of Top Military Aide.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has ruled out holding a presidential vote next spring, citing the ongoing conflict with Russia as the reason. He urged fellow countrymen to avoid political divides and focus on fighting Russia.
Zelenskyy dismissed increasing discussions about the potential for a presidential election in March 2024, calling it irresponsible to bring up the topic of elections during a time of war.
Major Hennadii Chastiakov, a top aide to Gen. Valerii Zaluzhnyi, was killed by a grenade gifted for his birthday. Some suspect targeted attack, but Interior Minister called it a tragic accident.
A Russian missile attack on a Ukrainian brigade holding a ceremony in Zaporizhzhia killed 19 soldiers, marking one of the deadliest single attacks reported by Ukrainian forces. The incident is being investigated and accountability will be ensured, President Zelenskyy said.
Zelenskyy emphasized the need for national unity and shifting attention away from politicking or personal interests, stating that the victory will come if focus is maintained on the defense and advancement of Ukraine.

South China Morning Post

Al Jazeera

Reuters