Russia is now accused of plotting a ceasefire for the diabolical intent of having elections in Ukraine. The argument is made by Mikheil Saakashvili, former (much-hated) President of Georgia, then former governor in Ukraine of the Odessa region, who is presently serving a six-year prison sentence for abuse of power and the organization of an assault causing grievous bodily harm against a lawmaker in Georgia’s Parliament. His article, entitled, “Moscow’s Game: Elections in Ukraine,” appeared on Dec. 12 in Ukrainska Pravda. There he argued that a ceasefire in Ukraine will mean an election is around the corner, and that must not happen. So, a military victory over Russia is the only answer. He wrote:
“We all see signs that there may be a temporary peace in Ukraine. Peace, not victory. This is a very important distinction…. A frozen conflict, which we could hypothetically be facing soon, is desirable for Russia…. The first thing they will try to do is have a new government elected in Ukraine…. Although changes in power are normal in democratic countries, Ukraine is in an unusual election cycle right now. Under the current circumstances, the fall of Zelenskyy would almost certainly lead to the end of Ukraine as an independent state.”
He then explains how Russia interferes in everyone’s elections. “The world doesn’t yet know how to fight this plague. The cancellation of the first round of elections in Romania is a precedent, but a very telling one…. Democratic elections are not in themselves a panacea. What’s more, holding elections [in Ukraine] as soon as possible would be a sure step into Russia’s new embrace. So I urge all Ukrainians not to rush. The key is victory. Not a temporary peace, but victory.”
Apparently, the West’s defense of democracy against autocrats has come down to the need to keep fighting until a military defeat of Russia is accomplished, because democracy cannot afford elections. Don’t blame Saakashvili—he just says openly what others keep amongst their private calculations.
