Staff Reports
In a brazen move, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has audaciously demanded that American and European taxpayers foot the bill for Ukrainian elections. That’s right, he wants other countries to pay for his country’s democratic process. Zelensky boldly stated that he would consider holding elections if the United States and the EU bankroll the entire voting process. Talk about nerve!
Volodymyr Zelensky Demands US Taxpayers Pay for Ukrainian Electionshttps://t.co/CvEqFPoLoK
— The Daily Fetched (@DailyFetched) August 29, 2023
According to Zelensky, peacetime elections in Ukraine typically cost around $135 million, or as they call it there, 5 billion hryvnia. But here’s the kicker, he conveniently failed to mention how much more these elections would cost during a time of war. Is he trying to take advantage of the crisis and swindle more money out of the pockets of hardworking Americans and Europeans?
It’s no surprise that Zelensky discussed this outrageous proposition with none other than Lindsey Graham, a staunch supporter of sending money to Ukraine. Zelensky shamelessly pressed Graham, saying that if the US and Europe provide financial support, he would be willing to change legislation and “take risks together.” How magnanimous of him!
But wait, it gets even better. Zelensky believes that observers should be stationed in the trenches during the elections. Yes, you heard that right. He wants election observers to be sent to the frontline to ensure the legitimacy of the voting process. Is he trying to imply that the Ukrainian military is going to interfere with the elections? It seems like a smear campaign against his own armed forces.
Let’s not forget that Zelensky was elected in 2019 with promises to fight corruption and improve relations with Russia. Well, guess what? He didn’t deliver on any of those promises. Instead, Ukraine entered into a war with Russia, and corruption still runs rampant in their government. So, forgive us if we’re a little skeptical about Zelensky’s sudden interest in having a “free and fair” election.
In the end, it’s clear that Zelensky is looking for a handout from the US and Europe. He claims that Ukrainians in the EU need polling stations and that there are no infrastructural capacities for military and overseas voting. But isn’t it the responsibility of the Ukrainian government to provide for their citizens and ensure a fair election? Maybe Zelensky should focus on keeping his promises and fixing the issues in his own country rather than relying on handouts from others.
