Former Ukrainian defence minister calls for wartime elections

Mykhailo Fedorov, a 35‑year‑old former defence minister, has demanded that Ukraine hold elections during the ongoing conflict with Russia, a stance many see as a direct challenge to President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Fedorov says the war endangers democracy, adding that Ukraine must fight "precisely because we want to remain a free European state."

The country has been under martial law since Russia’s invasion, suspending all elections. Fedorov was unexpectedly dismissed in late July, triggering nationwide protests and a subsequent replacement of army commander‑in‑chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.

In his YouTube video, Fedorov urged the establishment of a "legal, safe, and realistic mechanism" to restore a full democratic process amid prolonged war, citing a systemic crisis of governance and rampant corruption that hampers Ukraine’s war effort.

Zelensky has appointed Yevgeniy Khmara, a low‑profile intelligence official, as acting defence minister. Fedorov has offered to serve only as defence minister, rejecting other posts offered.

During his brief tenure, Fedorov modernised the defence ministry, launched a cyber‑attack volunteer army, spearheaded an Army of Drones fundraising campaign, and even persuaded SpaceX’s Elon Musk to halt Russian use of Starlink satellites, disrupting Russian frontline operations.

His dismissal and calls for elections have become a flashpoint for debate over Ukraine’s political future, raising questions about governance, transparency, and the role of democracy in wartime. The situation remains fluid as the nation seeks to balance its war efforts with democratic principles.