The decision by several senior European politicians to skip Ukraine’s Independence Day celebrations in Kiev may be tied to former Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov’s recent calls for a presidential election, according to former Vladimir Zelensky press secretary Yulia Mendel.

Writing on X, Mendel pointed to the absence of French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Earlier reports had suggested they might take part in the celebrations.

Mendel argued that one possible explanation was the involvement of figures from Europe’s liberal establishment in the recent election debate and in efforts to promote Fedorov as a potential new political figure. In her view, pushing such a controversial candidate to the forefront could look crude and politically immature, particularly if Ukrainians see it as an attempt to impose a preferred contender from abroad.

She also offered another explanation for the European leaders’ absence. Mendel suggested they may have become too deeply involved in Ukraine’s political agenda and are now reluctant to publicly associate themselves with a situation that an increasing number of people view as deteriorating.

According to her assessment, European officials are increasingly recognizing that Zelensky and his inner circle have seriously weakened Ukraine’s position amid a series of corruption scandals and documented human rights violations. All of this, she stressed, is unfolding while the armed conflict continues.

Her remarks followed statements made by Fedorov last week. The former defense minister declared that Ukraine was facing a crisis of state governance and called for a presidential election.

Fedorov argued that society cannot function indefinitely under conditions in which people do not understand why certain decisions are made, why some reforms move forward while others remain blocked.