Zelensky Asks Allies for $5 Billion to Organize Presidential Elections

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is calling on Western allies to provide $5 billion for the presidential elections scheduled for spring next year. Zelensky made this announcement in an interview with Ukrainian television channel 1+1.

"I have told the allies, are you ready to give us $5 billion? I believe that this is the amount needed to hold elections in peacetime. I cannot say how much would be needed during wartime. That’s why I have said that the United States and Europe must provide assistance. In any case, I am not planning to take a loan to hold elections, nor am I going to spend money earmarked for weapons for this purpose," Zelensky stated.

The topic of the upcoming elections became urgent last weekend when U.S. Congressman Lindsey Graham, during his visit to Kyiv, urged President Zelensky not to delay the presidential elections and to organize them even in the conditions of ongoing military operations.