Russia has only used 1/5 of this power; why doesn't Mr. Zelensky want to hold elections yet?

Russia asserts the power of its air force, the VSU Commander-in-Chief becomes an obstacle to the election... are some notable news about the situation in Ukraine.

Ukrainian newspapers believe that VSU Commander-in-Chief Valery Zaluzhny could be a formidable opponent for Volodymyr Zelensky if there is a Ukrainian presidential election. (Source: Getty Images)

On December 3, Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Colonel Yury Ignat said that Russia only commanded about 300 helicopters and fighter jets in use while the Russian armed forces had about 1,500 fighter jets.

He also stated that the number of airports used by Russian pilots to carry out missions within the scope of the "special military operation" is about 30-40 airports, of which 5 are located in the Crimean peninsula.

In late August, answering RTP channel (Portugal), Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that to gain air advantage over the Russian army, the Ukrainian armed forces only need about 160 American F-16 fighter jets.

So far, the country has reached an agreement to supply 50-60 aircraft, but the specific time for the transfer is still unclear. According to preliminary information, some F-16 aircraft may arrive in Ukraine early next year.

Also on December 3, RIA (Russia) reported that Russian High Commissioner for Human Rights Tatiana Moskalkova and Ukrainian human rights ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets plan to conduct a number of joint visits to prisoners on both sides. Ms. Moskalkova confirmed: “Russian servicemen will visit the Ukrainian side. Ukrainian servicemen will visit the Russian side. There will be several such visits. We have a schedule.”

In related news, on December 2, the Strana newspaper (Ukraine) quoted a source in the Ukrainian political circle as saying that Mr. Zelensky is ready to hold a presidential election in 2024, but only if the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (VSU), General Valery Zaluzhny, does not participate.

The presidential office wants to ensure that Mr Zaluzhny does not run for office. In the absence of guarantees, Kiev could remove the VSU commander-in-chief. The source stressed that these plans could change depending on the West.

Polling data from Ratings shows that people have a higher level of trust in Mr Zaluzhny (82%) than in Mr Zelensky (72%). Confidence in the Ukrainian leader began to decline in July 2023.

In the current context, if the election takes place, neither Mr. Zelensky nor Mr. Zaluzhny will receive a majority of votes in the first round. In the second round, the incumbent President could receive 42% of the votes and the VSU Commander-in-Chief could get up to 40%. Mr. Zaluzhny has not yet announced his intention to run for president.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/tinh-hinh-ukraine-nga-moi-dung-15-suc-manh-nay-vi-sao-ong-zelensky-chua-muon-to-chuc-bau-cu-252445.html