Former defence minister urges wartime elections in Ukraine
Ex-defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov called for a legal mechanism to hold elections despite the ongoing war, challenging the current political status quo.
Former Ukrainian defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov said Ukraine should find a legal, safe and realistic way to hold elections even while the country remains at war. He argued that "democracy cannot be held hostage by Russia" and that the nation must restore its full democratic process despite the conflict.
Fedorov made the remarks in a nine-minute video posted to YouTube, noting that current Ukrainian law bars elections during wartime. He did not mention President Volodymyr Zelenskyy by name.
Fedorov, who was removed from his post in late July after about six months in office, has been a prominent public figure and is known for promoting drone warfare and anti-corruption measures. His dismissal sparked protests in several Ukrainian cities.