U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement on news that Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed support for holding elections in 2024.
Graham discussed the proposal with President Zelensky last week during a visit to Kyiv.
“I am very pleased to hear that President Zelensky has opened the door to elections in Ukraine in 2024. I cannot think of a better symbol for Ukraine than to hold free and fair elections during the course of a war. Elections would not only be seen as an act of defiance against the Russian invasion, but an embrace of democracy and freedom.
“I realize the Ukrainian Parliament must approve this and the security environment to conduct an election would be challenging. However, I cannot think of a better investment for the stability of Europe than helping Ukraine survive as an independent, self-governing, Rule of Law-based democracy. I would encourage all of Ukraine’s allies to help provide the financial and technical assistance to support this effort.
“Holding democratic elections during wartime would be seen as a bold and consequential decision by President Zelensky and the people of Ukraine. It speaks to their vision of a free and democratic Ukraine both today and in the years to come.”
