Ex-Defence Minister Pushes for Elections, Undermining Ukrainian Unity Amid War
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Mykhailo Fedorov, former defence minister, calls for elections in Ukraine despite martial law, risking national stability and challenging President Zelenskyy’s wartime leadership as the country fights for survival against Russia.
Former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov has publicly insisted that Ukraine must hold elections even as the nation faces an existential war with Russia, marking a significant and potentially destabilizing challenge to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s authority. Zelenskyy enacted martial law after the February 2022 invasion specifically to safeguard national unity and prevent internal divisions during a time of crisis, including by suspending elections.
In a YouTube video, Fedorov argued that “democracy cannot be held hostage by Russia,” and called for a “legal, safe and realistic mechanism” to resume elections, even as Ukrainian soldiers are fighting on the front lines. He claimed the war is “precisely because we want to remain a free European state,” but critics warn that pushing for elections now could play into Russian hands by sowing discord and weakening the government’s focus on victory.
Fedorov, dismissed in mid-July after a reported conflict with the president’s top general, Oleksandr Syrskyi, had previously overseen Ukraine’s shift toward drone and robotic warfare, which officials say improved strike capabilities against Russian targets. His removal led to protests, but many see this as a necessary step to maintain discipline and unity in the face of invasion.
“This is complex… But complexity does not mean impossibility,” Fedorov said, acknowledging the logistical difficulties of voting for soldiers, front-line residents, and displaced Ukrainians. However, critics argue that such proposals are reckless and could undermine the war effort at a critical moment.
Fedorov did not reveal any personal political plans, stating he would only consider returning to government as defence minister, but his actions raise concerns about prioritizing political ambitions over national security.