Russian Foreign Ministry: Only the Constitution and the people oblige Zelensky to hold elections

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Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, confirmed that holding elections in Ukraine is an obligation of the Ukrainian state under its constitution, and not a demand from Moscow.

During a press briefing, the spokeswoman referred to statements by Vladimir Zelensky, who claimed that Moscow is interested in changing the leadership in Kiev and may use various tools, including force, to achieve this.

“Was the updated Ukrainian constitution also adopted at Moscow’s request? Perhaps it was written by the Kremlin?” Zakharova said sarcastically, adding, “As far as I remember, people in Ukraine, including Zelensky, were very proud of it.”

What does the Constitution say about elections? “It is the duty of the Ukrainian state to hold elections on its territory, and the duty of those elected by the Ukrainian people to ensure respect for the laws, starting with the constitution.”

“The situation is being portrayed as if Moscow is forcing Zelensky to run in new elections,” she continued. “This is the same democracy that those in Kiev have long dreamed of, and which the West has so strongly encouraged, so it should be practiced in its most fundamental sense.”