Ukraine: Former defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov calls for elections despite the war

Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov called on Tuesday, August 18, for elections to be held despite the war with Russia. This stance poses a major political challenge to Volodymyr Zelensky , as martial law currently prevents elections from taking place.

Dismissed in July after only a few months as Defense Minister, Mykhailo Fedorov believes Ukraine must find a solution to "restore the democratic process" despite the conflict. "Democracy cannot be held hostage by Russia," he declared in a speech broadcast on YouTube, also referring to a "systemic crisis of governance" in the country.

"Complexity does not mean impossibility."

The former minister acknowledged the significant difficulties involved in organizing elections in the midst of war: guaranteeing the right to vote for military personnel, residents living near the front lines, and the millions of Ukrainian refugees abroad. But according to him, these obstacles should not prevent the country from seeking a "legal, safe, and realistic" mechanism. "Complexity does not mean impossibility," he insisted.

This stance comes amid heightened tensions with Volodymyr Zelensky. The dismissal of Mykhailo Fedorov sparked demonstrations of support, and the former minister is now openly criticizing the functioning of the state and corruption. A new protest is planned outside the Ukrainian Parliament, where MPs are scheduled to vote on the nomination of Yevhenii Khmara as Minister of Defense.