Former Ukrainian defence minister says President Zelensky must address corruption concerns

Former Ukrainian defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov said a money-laundering investigation announced last week raises questions about President Volodymyr Zelensky’s awareness of potential corruption in his inner circle. Fedorov, who was dismissed from the cabinet last month, told the BBC that the case, which involves alleged misuse of more than $3 million to pay bail for a former energy minister, should be answered by the president.

"Let him answer this question… I believe that he's ready for such questions. It's his responsibility to tell us all whether he was aware of all that or not," Fedorov said.

Fedorov also reiterated that democracy should not be compromised during the war and called for a public conversation about holding elections, describing it as a “moral right.” He argued that without elections Ukraine would cease to be a democracy.

President Zelensky has previously stated that conducting elections amid the conflict would be too risky, describing them as a potential “tsunami” that could divide the country.

The former minister, who previously oversaw digital transformation and defence procurement, said he had no personal evidence of presidential corruption and noted that he had not received any illegal orders while working with Zelensky.

Fedorov indicated he will travel to the United States in the coming weeks to discuss continued technology support, including satellite communications, and criticised delays in weapons deliveries from allied nations, urging more direct funding for Ukrainian drone production.