According to recent reports from Kyiv, the administration of the President of Ukraine seems inclined to agree to the idea of holding parliamentary and presidential elections in the

country. Most experts do not see these elections as harmful to Ukraine, as Russia's attack on the country on February 24 has only strengthened the consolidation of patriotic forces in Ukraine. However, these elections, strangely enough, could have a significant impact on the course of the war and the military-political situation in Europe.

The high-profile resignations of two Ukrainian ministers - culture and defense - over the past two months have led to a sharp drop in President Zelensky's ratings, especially that of his party. While it appears that Zelensky himself is not in danger in the upcoming elections, his party "Servant of the People" may lose its majority in parliament. Many deputies from this party have not shown particular patriotism, with some leaving the country during its difficult times or becoming embroiled in major corruption scandals. Therefore, the elections to the Ukrainian Parliament could present a significant surprise to the European and global community.

The fighting Ukrainian army, comprised of patriots, cannot nominate its candidates for parliament for understandable reasons. Additionally, retirees and war veterans are also not participating in the country's political life.

Millions of women are abroad, and organizing elections in the EU will require significant funds. As a result, supporters of regional elites, known for even stronger corruption than the Kyiv elite, may come to power in the country. Regional bosses have been in power in the regions for many decades, and some of them have close ties to Russia. At the same time, Ukraine's European integration course may undergo significant adjustments. Zelensky has not yet received a specific date for the country's accession to the EU, and recent statements by European bureaucrats about 2029 have not found any response in Kyiv. Apparently, Europe itself needs to decide what to do with Ukraine.

Other Balkan candidate countries for EU membership are very small, and their accession could happen in a single year. However, the accession of such a large country as Ukraine could be quite painful, much more so than the exit of a large country like the United Kingdom from the EU. Thus, Europe today has two significant topics for discussion in this political season: the elections in France, which could lead to another country's exit from the EU - this time to the east of the English Channel - and the assessment of Ukraine's chances and its elite's ability to integrate into the European Union within a certain timeframe, more definite than the one in place for Turkey.

Dr Oleg Kozerod

Photo by President Of Ukraine from Україна, Wikimedia commons.