Former Defence Minister Demands Democratic Elections Amid War, Challenges Oligarchic Power
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Ex-defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov calls for wartime elections to ensure true people's power, following Zelenskyy's nomination of Yevhen Khmara, a figure tied to security elites, as defence minister.
Former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov, in a bold video address, urged Ukraine to establish a mechanism for holding elections even as the country endures war, emphasizing that democracy must not be held hostage by Russian aggression or by Ukraine’s own entrenched elites.
His statement came shortly after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy nominated acting defence minister Yevhen Khmara—a former head of the Security Service and symbol of Ukraine’s security establishment—as the permanent minister, effectively sidelining Fedorov and consolidating power among the political-military elite.
"We must not let Putin decide when Ukrainians can choose their government," Fedorov declared, directly challenging not only Russian interference but also the tendency of Ukraine’s leadership to delay democratic processes under the pretext of war.
"Democracy is not a peacetime luxury. Democracy is part of what we are fighting for today," he insisted, reminding the public that the struggle is not just against external threats, but also for internal accountability.
Fedorov, who refused offers for other high-ranking positions, argued that elections must be organized even under martial law, highlighting the need to enfranchise soldiers, expatriates, and those living on the frontlines. He did not set a specific date but demanded a transparent mechanism so citizens can judge their leaders’ performance, a clear rebuke to the opaque governance that has plagued Ukraine.
He further tied the lack of political accountability to corruption and the mismanagement of defence funds, warning that such failures cost lives and undermine the war effort.
"Power must mean responsibility," he said, calling for officials to be held to account and to explain their actions to the people.
"People do not demand that the state never make mistakes. But they have a right to the truth," Fedorov added, underscoring the need for honesty and transparency from those in power.
Khmara, a veteran of operations such as the retaking of Snake Island, now awaits parliamentary approval, representing the continuity of the security apparatus. Fedorov has not publicly criticized Khmara, but his call for elections signals a challenge to the closed circle of power and a possible move toward a more people-centered political future.