Ex-Defence Minister Fedorov Calls for Elections in Ukraine
Ukraine's former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called for wartime presidential elections, marking a significant challenge to President Volodymyr Zelensky since Russia's full-scale invasion began four and a half years ago.
In a YouTube video released on Tuesday, the 35-year-old stated that "Democracy cannot be held hostage by Russia" and emphasized that Ukraine is fighting "precisely because we want to remain a free European state." Ukraine has remained under martial law since 2022, which legally suspends all elections.
Fedorov was unexpectedly dismissed from his post last month, only six months after his appointment. His removal sparked nationwide protests, and approximately 100 demonstrators gathered outside the Ukrainian parliament on Wednesday demanding his reinstatement.
Key developments surrounding the political dispute include:
- Government changes: Parliament confirmed acting defence minister Yevhenii Khmara on Wednesday, while the deputy head of the presidential office, Iryna Mudra, was dismissed amid anti-corruption raids.
- Presidential response: A source in the presidential office dismissed the election proposal as "highly bizarre to plan elections amidst missiles and drones," citing a lack of realism.
- Military leadership shifts: Fedorov's dismissal followed tensions with former army commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, who was also replaced shortly after.
Fedorov warned of a "systemic crisis of governance" and raised concerns about corruption impeding weapons procurement. Prior to leading the defence ministry, he served as minister of digital transformation, founding the volunteer "IT Army of Ukraine" and the Army of Drones initiative.
The debate occurs amid continued hostilities. A Russian drone strike on a minibus killed four people in Kherson on Wednesday, following attacks early Tuesday that killed 17 people across Ukraine. Recent Ukrainian strikes across Russia resulted in nine deaths and 23 injuries, leading UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham to reaffirm support for Ukraine following warnings from Moscow.
