By John Q. Hosedrinker 
During a recent visit to Poland, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed concerns regarding potential Russian interference in future elections. Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine will not allow Vladimir Putin to control its electoral processes, particularly concerning citizens in temporarily occupied territories. He criticized Putin’s statements about election participation as a tactic to gain control, highlighting the hypocrisy of Putin’s actions. Zelenskyy also asserted that Putin is merely seeking an excuse for the war rather than addressing its true causes.
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Zelenskyy’s response to Putin’s pronouncements on elections in Ukraine speaks volumes, and it’s something we can all understand: “We will not agree to be controlled by anyone.” It’s a powerful declaration of sovereignty, a refusal to be dictated to, especially by a nation that’s actively engaged in a brutal and unprovoked invasion. This stance isn’t just about politics; it’s about the very soul of Ukraine.
The audacity of Putin, the man who rigs elections and silences his opposition with poison, to even suggest how Ukraine should conduct its own affairs is staggering. It’s like asking the arsonist how to rebuild the house he burned down. The sheer hypocrisy of the situation is almost comical, if the stakes weren’t so incredibly high. Russia, a country that has never held truly free and fair elections, has the gall to lecture Ukraine about legitimacy. The irony is so thick you could cut it with a knife.
And let’s be clear: Putin’s intentions are not about fostering democracy. His statements are a transparent attempt to exert control, to undermine Ukraine’s independence, and to perpetuate his own agenda. He wants to russify everything, officially cede the occupied territories, and, some would argue, even set his sights on other parts of Europe. Zelenskyy understands this implicitly, and his refusal to be dictated to is a testament to his strength and the resilience of the Ukrainian people. He knows what’s at stake.
The idea of holding elections under the shadow of Russian occupation is absurd. The areas controlled by Putin’s forces are under duress. Any vote cast would be illegitimate, coerced, and meaningless. The only condition under which fair elections can even be considered is after Russia withdraws, including Crimea, and has paid reparations and returned the kidnapped children. Only then can Ukraine even begin to think about rebuilding and holding free elections.
Zelenskyy’s position echoes the sentiments of many. People are aware of the dangers of letting an external force dictate their political future. This is a fight for self-determination. For Ukraine, the choice is clear: resist the attempts to be controlled by anyone. This is about building a democratic future, a future where the Ukrainian people choose their own destiny.
It is worth noting that Putin has a long history of manipulating elections, both in Russia and beyond. His motives are always suspect, particularly when he speaks on democratic processes. Zelenskyy’s reaction reflects a deep understanding of this reality. It’s a defiant stand against authoritarianism.
One can’t help but be reminded of the American Revolution when considering the current circumstances. Ukraine, like the American colonists, is standing up against a much larger, overbearing power. They are fighting for their freedom, for their right to self-governance, much like the US has done in the past.
The notion that Ukraine should somehow be beholden to Putin’s whims is an insult to the sacrifices Ukrainians are making every single day. Zelenskyy is a leader in a crisis, and his popularity is due to his ability to represent the people’s will to remain free. The only future Zelenskyy envisions for Ukraine is one where the Ukrainian people determine their own path. It’s about protecting the country’s sovereignty and rejecting any form of external interference, especially from a nation with such a blatant disregard for democracy and human rights.
Moreover, the suggestion that Ukraine should somehow compromise its sovereignty to appease Putin is, frankly, insulting. It’s a message of unwavering resolve. Ukraine’s commitment to its own democratic principles is a message to the world. It is the core of its fight.