Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is contemplating a delayed presidential election in 2025, according to recent reports. This decision comes as Ukraine continues to grapple with the ongoing conflict initiated by Russia in 2014, which escalated into a full-scale invasion in 2022.
The potential election, originally scheduled for 2024, was postponed due to the complexities of organizing a nationwide vote during wartime and partial occupation. However, Zelensky's reconsideration may be influenced by his declining popularity. A recent poll conducted by the National Democratic Institute, a non-profit organization promoting democracy worldwide, revealed that only 45% of Ukrainians currently trust Zelensky, a significant drop from the approximately 80% approval rating he enjoyed in May 2023.
Despite these challenges, Zelensky continues to engage in international diplomacy. He is scheduled to meet with former US President Donald Trump in New York on September 27, 2024, despite recent tensions. This meeting coincides with Zelensky's attendance at the annual UN General Assembly, where he plans to present his 'Victory plan' for Ukraine to current US President Joe Biden.
The ongoing conflict continues to impact Ukrainian civilians. Russian drone strikes recently claimed three lives in Izmail, a strategic port city on the Danube River delta near the Romanian border. Izmail has become a crucial hub for Ukrainian grain exports, which are vital for global food security. Additionally, a Russian missile struck a police station in Kryvyi Rih, Zelensky's hometown and Ukraine's seventh-largest city, resulting in at least one fatality.
"Russian forces have now captured houses on the outskirts of Vuhledar, once considered an impregnable Ukrainian 'fortress'."
These attacks have not been limited to Ukrainian territory. Romania's Defense Ministry reported that Russian drones violated its airspace for approximately three minutes before striking Izmail. In response, Romania, a NATO member since 2004, scrambled four fighter jets.
The conflict's impact extends beyond the battlefield. Russia is preparing to lift a ban on women working in open-pit mines and quarries to address a manpower shortage linked to its aggressive military recruitment for the war in Ukraine. This decision reflects the significant losses the Russian military has faced and the strain on its workforce.
As the war continues, the international community watches closely. While countries like Australia are not directly involved in the conflict, the global implications of the Russia-Ukraine war, from food security to geopolitical stability, remain significant.