Former defence minister urges wartime elections, sparking political tension in Ukraine
Ex-defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov called for elections amid the war, prompting protests and a parliamentary vote that confirmed Yevhenii Khmara as his successor.
Former Ukrainian defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov said Ukraine should organise elections despite the ongoing conflict, arguing that democracy must not be held hostage by Russia. In a video address he called for a legal and safe mechanism to renew the democratic process and criticised what he described as a systemic governance crisis.
The call came hours after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy nominated acting defence minister Yevhenii Khmara to replace Fedorov. Parliament approved Khmara's appointment with a 312-2 vote. Khmara, a former SBU officer, pledged to defend Ukraine and reduce Russia's war potential.
Fedorov, who is popular among younger voters, has faced street protests demanding his reinstatement. At the same time, Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies launched an investigation into senior officials, including a deputy head of the presidential office, over alleged money-laundering.
Zelenskyy responded to the parliamentary vote on social media, stating that Ukraine needs more strength and that the country will have it.