Former Ukrainian defence minister urges elections despite ongoing war

Former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov said Ukraine must find a way to hold elections despite the prolonged war with Russia, marking the most significant public challenge to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s authority since the conflict began. Zelenskyy imposed martial law after the February 2022 invasion, which bars elections.

In a YouTube video, Fedorov argued that “democracy cannot be held hostage by Russia” and urged the creation of a “legal, safe and realistic mechanism” to restore a full democratic process while fighting the war. He added that the fight is “precisely because we want to remain a free European state.”

Fedorov, who was dismissed in mid-July after a reported dispute with the president’s top general, Oleksandr Syrskyi, had previously overseen Ukraine’s shift toward drone and robotic warfare, which officials say increased strike capabilities against Russian targets. His removal sparked protests across the country.

“This is complex… But complexity does not mean impossibility,” Fedorov said, acknowledging the logistical challenges of voting for soldiers, residents of front-line areas and displaced Ukrainians.

He did not detail any personal political plans, noting earlier that he would only consider returning to government as defence minister.