Volunteer militia seek political office in Ukraine elections

World Today

Ukrainians will elect a new parliament on Sunday. President Petro Poroshenko has pledged to end the war and bring peace, but with many critical of his peace plan, the elections could spell chaos in Ukraine. CCTV America’s Kate Parkinson reports.

In Kiev, soldiers are training to fight pro-Russian separatists in the east, despite both sides agreeing to a ceasefire last month. Some pro-Ukraine volunteer battalions are also being incorporated into the National Guard, blurring the lines between military and militia are blurring.

Dozens of fighters from volunteer battalions are running for seats in parliament including the commander of the Azov Battalion, Andriy Biletsky.

Biletsky is the founder a far-right group of militant activists. They were seen earlier this year training new recruits to defend the southern port city of Mariupol against advancing pro-Russian rebels.

The volunteer battalions have played a key role in the eastern conflict and now they want a place in parliament too.

“There are many soldiers, many commanders and many volunteers who are running for parliament now. I hope that we will create some kind of platform of warfare that will clearly push forward laws which are necessary for the front. Lobbying these laws which are needed for the frontline,” Biletsky said.

Poroshenko will have to work hard to win support for his peace plan. If soldiers are elected, Ukraine’s next battlefield may be its parliament.