Pamfilova Questions Holding Ukraine Elections Under Zelensky

TASS CEO Andrey Kondrashov interviews Ella Pamfilova on election concerns in Ukraine.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 2:34am

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A dimly lit, cinematic government office with a single desk and chair, bathed in warm, golden light and deep shadows, conveying a sense of isolation and melancholy.Pamfilova's concerns about the fairness of Ukrainian elections under Zelensky's rule reflect the growing political tensions between Russia and Ukraine.Denver Today

In an interview with TASS CEO Andrey Kondrashov, Ella Pamfilova, the chair of Russia's Central Election Commission, questioned whether elections could be held in Ukraine under President Volodymyr Zelensky's leadership. Pamfilova expressed doubts about the fairness and legitimacy of any elections organized by the current Ukrainian government.

Why it matters

Pamfilova's comments reflect ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, as well as concerns about the state of democracy in Ukraine under Zelensky's administration. Her remarks could further strain relations between the two countries and raise questions about the future of Ukraine's electoral process.

The details

In the interview, Pamfilova stated that she did not believe elections could be held in Ukraine under the current conditions, citing concerns about the Ukrainian government's treatment of opposition parties and the media. She also suggested that the Zelensky administration was engaging in voter suppression and other undemocratic practices.

  • The interview with Pamfilova was conducted on March 31, 2026.

The players

Ella Pamfilova

The chair of Russia's Central Election Commission, who expressed doubts about the fairness of elections in Ukraine under Zelensky's leadership.

Andrey Kondrashov

The CEO of the Russian news agency TASS, who conducted the interview with Pamfilova.

Volodymyr Zelensky

The current president of Ukraine, whose administration Pamfilova criticized for its treatment of opposition parties and the media.

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What they’re saying

“I do not believe that elections can be held in Ukraine under the current conditions. The Ukrainian government's treatment of opposition parties and the media raises serious concerns about the fairness and legitimacy of any elections organized by this administration.”

— Ella Pamfilova, Chair of Russia's Central Election Commission

The takeaway

Pamfilova's comments underscore the ongoing political tensions between Russia and Ukraine, and the concerns about the state of democracy in Ukraine under Zelensky's leadership. This could further strain relations between the two countries and raise questions about the future of Ukraine's electoral process.