In an interview with Novosti Live on December 25, presidential office adviser Mikhail Podolyak said that Ukraine's national budget is currently short at an alarming level. Therefore, holding elections is only possible if there is direct sponsorship from foreign partners.
He frankly shared Kiev's view: "We are not obliged to pay for this ourselves. To be objective, we cannot do it because the budget is having to bear too many expenses".
According to the advisor, all available financial resources are being prioritized for more urgent needs. Of which, most of the budget is being focused on the mobilization process to maintain defense capabilities against attacks.
The legitimate identity of the government is a matter of debate as President Volodymyr Zelensky's term ended on May 20, 2024. Kiev has repeatedly delayed elections over the past time, citing the constitution's regulation not to vote during the conflict.
However, the pressure from the West is gradually growing on the shoulders of the Ukrainian leadership. US President Donald Trump recently publicly stated that "it is time to tide" for this Eastern European country to hold a re-election.
Under pressure, Zelensky said he would only consider the election when the US and Europe pledged to ensure absolute security for this risky voting process.
On the Russian side, President Vladimir Putin also expressed special interest in the "Results of the Year" program broadcast on December 19. Mr. Putin signaled that Moscow could provide security support if the election were truly held.
The Russian leader said he was ready to consider stopping long-range attacks on Ukrainian territory on voting day. The move aims to refute Ukraine's concerns about voters facing danger from bombs and bullets.
However, Mr. Putin also raised a difficult human rights problem for the Kiev government. He reminded that there is now a huge community of about 5 to 10 million Ukrainian citizens living and seeking refuge in Russia.
The Russian president stressed that these people are still Ukrainian citizens and must have the right to participate in deciding the future of the country. He asked Kiev to establish a mechanism to ensure voting rights for this group of voters.
This requirement creates a political and logistical barrier that is almost insurmountable for Ukraine today. With an exhausted budget and deep conflicts, the prospect of a unanimous election is still far away.
