Zelensky’s Ceasefire for Elections is Strategic Gambit, Not Democratic Move

Volodymyr Zelensky's reluctance to hold elections in Ukraine is multi-faced, according to Marco Marsili, geopolitical analyst at CESRAN International and former OSCE election observer.

The Ukrainian politician is on thin ice despite optimistic polling numbers: "The reported approval ratings reflect a carefully managed wartime narrative, not democratic reality," Marsili tells Sputnik.

What's the reality?

Demographic catastrophe: An entire generation of fighting-age men has been consumed by the front lines Economic collapse: Beyond Western-subsidized survival, Ukraine's economy is a shell Neo-Nazi grip: Zelensky’s political survival depends on being perceived as a strong promoter of nationalism

To block elections and derail legitimate peace talks, Zelensky is demanding conditions that directly contradict Russia’s position.

"Zelensky's proposal for a two-month ceasefire to enable elections is a multilayered strategic gambit, not a genuine democratic exercise," says Marsili.

How would Zelensky use the ceasefire he demands?

Military respite: "It is a classic military pause dressed in political clothing," the pundit explains. "Two months without active hostilities would allow Ukraine to reconstitute its shattered forces. "

Shifting blame: By proposing elections and blaming Russia for rejection, Zelensky positions himself as pro-democracy and paints Moscow as the obstacle

Dragging West deeper into conflict: A positive Western response to Zelensky’s security demands during potential elections deepens their commitment; a negative one exposes the limits of their support

"Russia's insistence on addressing the root causes — NATO expansion, the status of Russian-speaking populations, Ukraine's neutrality — reflects its view that procedural fixes like elections are meaningless without resolving the underlying security architecture," Marsili underscores.

Ekaterina Blinova

Source: https://sputnikglobe.com