Episode 273: Zelensky Wants to Wage war, Not a Presidential Campaign

Today, Les, Jess, Jamil, and Morgan discuss Ukrainian President Zelenksy's decision to rule out holding presidential elections next year even though his 5-year term ends in March 2024. With millions displaced internally or abroad, hundreds of thousands of soldiers fighting on the frontlines, and the country under constant threat of Russian attacks, the possibility of administering a free, safe, and secure election seems nearly impossible.

Is it possible to administer an election without U.S. aid to Ukraine? Will the absence of democratic elections in Ukraine erode already decreasing support in Congress to provide more aid? Will Zelensky foes use his decision to attack him and Ukraine's commitment to democracy?

Want to learn more about this topic? Check out these articles that our experts used to frame our discussion: 

https://thehill.com/policy/international/4296123-ukraine-russia-war-volodymyr-zelensky-not-the-right-time-elections/

https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-birthday-grenade-b1b82e4f84eb5a39286d1500cf49fcd1

https://www.cnn.com/videos/world/2023/11/07/exp-zelensky-ukraine-elections-110704aseg1-cnni-world.cnn

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/05/world/europe/ukraine-zelensky-elections-war.html

https://www.ips-journal.eu/topics/democracy-and-society/elections-in-times-of-war-6980/

Follow our experts on Twitter: 

@notTVJessJones

@jamil_n_jaffer 

@lestermunson

@morganlroach

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