https://sputnikglobe.com/20260217/zelenskys-ceasefire-for-elections-is-strategic-gambit-not-democratic-move--1123647600.html
Zelensky’s Ceasefire for Elections is Strategic Gambit, Not Democratic Move
Zelensky’s Ceasefire for Elections is Strategic Gambit, Not Democratic Move
Sputnik International
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.
2026-02-17T16:16+0000
2026-02-17T16:16+0000
2026-02-17T16:16+0000
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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? To block elections and derail legitimate peace talks, Zelensky is demanding conditions that directly contradict Russia’s position. 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
https://sputnikglobe.com/20260217/ukraine-better-come-to-the-table-fast--trump-on-geneva-talks-1123643200.html
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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.
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.
