Former Ukrainian defence minister urges wartime elections
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Former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov called for elections to be held despite martial law, criticizing the current governance and urging a democratic process during the war.
Former Ukrainian defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov has appealed for wartime elections, arguing that democracy should not be suspended while the country confronts Russia. In a YouTube video posted on Tuesday, the 35-year-old said, > "Democracy cannot be held hostage by Russia," and added that Ukraine is fighting to remain a free European state.
Fedorov, who was dismissed from the defence post in late July after only six months in office, did not name President Volodymyr Zelensky in the video. His removal, which sparked protests, is believed to have stemmed from tensions with army commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, who was also replaced weeks later.
The former minister said Ukraine needs a "legal, safe, and realistic mechanism" to restore a full democratic process even amid prolonged conflict, and warned of a "systemic crisis of governance" and pervasive corruption that he says hampers the war effort.
Zelensky has appointed Yevgeniy Khmara, a career intelligence official, as acting defence minister. While other senior posts were offered to Fedorov, including deputy prime minister for military innovation, he indicated he would only consider returning as defence minister.
During his tenure, Fedorov was credited with modernising the defence ministry, launching anti-corruption initiatives, and promoting high-tech warfare such as drone procurement and cyber operations, including the volunteer "IT Army of Ukraine" and the "Army of Drones" fundraising campaign.