Elections during wartime are Russia’s try to defeat Ukraine – Zurabishvili

She stated this in an interview with Radio Free Europe on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.

Zurabishvili said that holding elections in Ukraine now would play into Moscow’s hands.

"We were a testing ground for Russia’s hybrid strategy through elections—how to take over countries. They are using this not only against Georgia but also against Romania and, possibly, tomorrow against Moldova. And when it comes to elections in Ukraine, this is undoubtedly the way Russia, having failed to win the war and not being confident in victory at peace talks, will try to defeat Ukraine. So beware of elections, prepare for elections, and no elections in Ukraine right now," she said.

• On February 18, U.S. President Donald Trump held a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, where he discussed negotiations with Russia that took place in Saudi Arabia. He particularly emphasized the need for elections in Ukraine.