Sacked Ukrainian defence minister calls for presidential election

Former Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called for wartime elections, stating that democracy should not be held hostage by Russia. Ukraine has been under martial law since February 2022, suspending elections. Fedorov, who was unexpectedly dismissed from his role in late July, posted a video on Tuesday advocating for a mechanism to restore democratic processes during the ongoing war. His dismissal, which sparked protests, is believed to be linked to tensions with the army commander-in-chief. Fedorov did not specify his own political intentions but emphasized the need for a legal, safe, and realistic path to elections. President Volodymyr Zelensky has not yet responded to Fedorov's video.

Ukraine's recently dismissed former defense minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, has called for a wartime presidential election, presenting the most direct political challenge to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy since Russia's full-scale invasion. Fedorov argued in a video address that Ukraine must "restore a full democratic process even amid a prolonged war," emphasizing that democracy should not be held hostage by Russia. He implied concerns about corruption and a lack of transparency in decision-making under the current leadership. Elections have been suspended in Ukraine since martial law was imposed, and Zelenskyy's term ended in May 2024. Fedorov's dismissal last month followed a falling out with military leadership and triggered protests. Polling suggests Fedorov would place third in a presidential election, behind Zelenskyy and former armed forces head Valerii Zaluzhnyi, and could lose in a run-off. Holding elections would face practical challenges due to displacement, military service, and occupied territories.