Slovenia🏛️ PoliticsLean Progressive8/23/2026

Zelenskiy on elections during the war: If we wanted to destroy the country, we would do it now

Ukrajinski predsednik Volodimir Zelenski nasprotuje izvedbi predsedniških volitev med vojno, kar meni, da bi lahko povzročilo 'cunami' in razdelilo državo. Nekdanji obrambni minister Mihailo Fedorov je predlog izvedbe volitev v času vojne, kar je Zelenski ocenil kot nevarno. Volitve trenutno ni mogoče zaradi vojne in ustavnih omejitev, kljub temu pa Zelenski opozori, da bi bile mogoče, če bi bili zagotovljeni varnostni ureditvi. Razprava o novih volitvah je potekala že v začetku leta, sicer bi lahko pomenila kompromis z ZDA. Zelenski je poudaril, da bi morali volitve omogočiti tudi vojakom, prebivalcem ob frontni črti in Ukrajincem v tujini, vendar ni bil predlagan konkretan način za varno izvedbo.

Rusian President Vladimir Putin has vowed victory in Russia’s war against Ukraine during a congress of his United Russia party, held just over a month before parliamentary elections. Speaking in Moscow, Putin emphasized the importance of unity among Russian citizens and military personnel, stating that “a great deal depends on our unity, on the courage of Russian soldiers and all those working toward achieving victory.” His remarks were echoed by United Russia leader Dmitriy Medvedev, who described Ukraine as a “phantom state” having already lost 20 percent of its territory and half its population. Medvedev further claimed that those who have left Russia should not be allowed to return, calling them traitors. The congress took place on August 22, 2026, with the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for September 18–20. During the event, Putin reaffirmed support for the ruling United Russia party, praising it as the leading force with the most experience in the country. Medvedev, who serves as deputy head of the National Security Council, reiterated Russia’s territorial gains, asserting that the armed forces continue to demonstrate their resilience. He also accused Ukraine of being a fabricated entity, claiming it had suffered significant losses since the start of the conflict. According to reports from multiple media outlets, including Dnevnik, Slovenske Novice, RTV Slovenia, and Mladina, both Putin and Medvedev made clear statements regarding the outcome of the war. Medvedev specifically referred to Ukraine as a “phantom state,” noting that it had lost 20% of its territory and half its population. He also condemned those who had fled Russia, labeling them as traitors and suggesting they should not be permitted to return. These comments reflect the government's ongoing narrative that Russia is engaged in a defensive operation rather than an invasion. In addition to their public declarations, both leaders addressed the political landscape ahead of the elections. The Central Election Commission has reportedly restricted the candidacy of the sole opposition party, Yabloko, citing strengthened support for United Russia. As a result, only ten parties will appear on the ballot, all of which endorse Russia’s military actions in Ukraine. This move underscores the consolidation of power within the ruling party and limits political dissent ahead of the vote. The timing of these statements, just one month before the elections, suggests a strategic effort to bolster domestic morale and reinforce the legitimacy of the current administration. By linking the success of the war effort to national unity and electoral outcomes, the leadership aims to maintain public support amid continued challenges on the battlefield. Despite international criticism and growing concerns over civilian casualties and humanitarian crises, the Russian authorities continue to frame the conflict as a necessary and justified campaign. As the election date approaches, the focus remains on maintaining internal cohesion and ensuring that the ruling party retains its dominant position. With limited political alternatives available, voters are likely to face a choice between candidates aligned with the government’s stance on the war. The absence of meaningful opposition raises questions about the nature of the democratic process in Russia, yet the official narrative persists that the nation is united in its pursuit of victory.

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Source documentReuters

4 reports

VečerIndependent🔒CenterFactual 95Objective 858/23/2026

Zelensky refuses to hold elections during the war.

Ukrajinski predsednik Volodimir Zelenski zavrača možnost izvedbe volitev med vojno z Rusijo, kar je ocenil kot 'ogromno tveganje' in 'pravi cunami', ki bi razdelili državo. Njegova izjava sledi pozivu nekdanjega obrambnega ministra Mihajla Fedorova, da se volitve kljub vojni izvedejo, ker bi demokracija ne smela biti 'talka Rusije'. Fedorov je priznal, da je izvedba volitev v času vojne zapletena, a ne zmožna. V Ukrajini je od februarja 2022 veljalo vojno stanje, kar je povzročilo odločitev o odločitvi volitev.

Bias read (Center): Artikel predstavlja različne stališča o izvedbi volitev med vojno – Zelenski zavrača, medtem ko Fedorov podpira. Ključni argumenti sta navedeni brez stranskega nagiba, kar kaže na uravnoteženo poročanje. Poudarek je na razpravi med političnimi vodji, ne pa na enstrannem naslovu.

Why factuality (95): The article accurately reports Zelenski's statement about rejecting elections during wartime, citing his concerns about 'tveganje' and 'cunami'. It references the call by Fedorov and mentions the current state of war since February 2022. The information aligns with the cross-source consensus among t

Why objectivity (85): The tone remains neutral, presenting both Zelenski's and Fedorov's positions without overt bias. However, the phrase 'pravi cunami' is emotionally charged and may influence reader perception slightly.

VečerIndependent🔒CenterFactual 95Objective 858/23/2026

Zelensky refuses to hold elections during the war.

Ukrajinski predsednik Volodimir Zelenski zavrača možnost izvedbe volitev med vojno z Rusijo, kar oceni kot 'ogromno tveganje' in 'pravi cunami', ki bi razdelili državo. Njegova izjava sledi pozivu nekdanjega obrambnega ministra Mihajla Fedorova, da se volitve kljub vojni izvedejo, ker demokracija ne sme biti podvržena Rusiji. Fedorov prizna, da je izvedba volitev v času vojne zapletena, a ne morena, in opozori na potrebo po omogočanju glasovanja tudi vojakom, ljudem blizu frontne črte in Ukrajincem v tujini. V Ukrajini so volitve odložene zaradi vojne stanja, ki je veljal od februarja 2022.

Why factuality (95): The article repeats the core facts from the first article, including Zelenski's rejection of elections during war, Fedorov's call, and the current state of war. It maintains consistency with the other articles.

Why objectivity (85): The language used is similar to the first article, with emotionally charged phrases like 'pravi cunami' that may sway reader interpretation. The overall tone remains balanced but not entirely impartial.

N1 SlovenijaIndependentProgressiveFactual 95Objective 858/23/2026

Zelensky rejects elections during the war: It would be a real tsunami for Ukraine

Ukrajinski predsednik Volodimir Zelenski je zavrnil možnost izvedbe volitev med vojno z Rusijo, ocenjuječ, da bi bilo to 'ogromno tveganje' in 'pravi cunami', ki bi razdelil državo. Njegovo izjava sledi pozivu nekdanjega obrambnega ministra Mihaila Fedorova, da se volitve kljub vojni izvedejo, ker demokracija ne sme biti podvržena Rusiji. Fedorov je priznal, da je izvedba volitev v času vojne zapletena, a nezmožna, in izpostavil potrebo po omogočanju glasovanja tudi vojakom in Ukrajincem v tujini. V Ukrajini so volitve odložene zaradi vojne stanja, ki je veljal od februarja 2022.

Bias read (Progressive): Artikel podpira Zelenskin pogled, da bi bilo izvajanje volitev med vojno tvegano in škodljivo za državo, kar kaže na levi politični nastroj. Poudarek na demokraciji kot vrednoti, ki ne sme biti podvržena Rusiji, ter opozorilo na potrebo po demokratičnih postopkih, pripomore k levemu nastroju.

Why factuality (95): This article mirrors the content of the first article, reporting Zelenski's stance and referencing Fedorov's call. It also notes the ongoing state of war and delayed elections, consistent with the other sources.

Why objectivity (85): The phrasing 'To bi bil pravi cunami za Ukrajino' is similarly emotive, potentially influencing readers. While the facts are presented neutrally, the language leans towards dramatic emphasis.

DnevnikIndependent🔒CenterFactual 75Objective 658/23/2026

Zelenskiy on elections during the war: If we wanted to destroy the country, we would do it now

Bias read (Center): The article presents both sides of the debate, Zelenski's opposition to holding elections during war and Fedorov's proposal, but does not take a clear ideological stance. It reports on the arguments without overtly favoring either side, maintaining a balanced tone by quoting both perspectives and the

Why factuality (75): The article reports on President Zelensky's opposition to holding elections during wartime, citing his statement that such elections would be 'a tsunami' dividing Ukraine. It mentions former defense minister Fedorov's proposal and Zelensky's response. The information aligns with cross-source consens

Why objectivity (65): The article presents Zelensky's position as strongly opposed to wartime elections but does not present alternative viewpoints or counterarguments. The tone leans toward supporting Zelensky's stance, using phrases like 'ostro izrekel' and 'pravi cunami,' which carry emotional weight rather than purel

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Zelenskiy on elections during the war: If we wanted to destroy the country, we would do it now

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