Ex-defence chief’s call for wartime election raises pressure on Zelenskyy

Ukraine's former defense minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, has called for presidential elections to be held during the ongoing war, challenging President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Fedorov, a popular technocrat known for his digital innovations, argues that democracy should not be held hostage by Russia's actions. While some, like former Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, support the idea, experts deem holding elections under constant Russian attacks nearly impossible due to security concerns and constitutional bans. Polls indicate Fedorov is a highly trusted figure, trailing only former General Valerii Zaluzhnyi, and some citizens view him as a cleaner alternative to Zelenskyy. However, the feasibility of organizing a vote amidst the conflict remains a significant obstacle.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed his deputy chief of staff, Iryna Mudra, following reports of her home being searched amid a money-laundering investigation. This dismissal occurred one day after former defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov called for a wartime presidential election, citing a "crisis of governance" and widespread corruption under Zelenskyy. The Nabu anti-corruption agency is investigating a criminal conspiracy involving high-ranking officials, including a deputy head of the president's office, accused of laundering money to post bail for a former minister facing corruption charges. Elections have been suspended in Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, and holding them during wartime is constitutionally prohibited and considered impractical by many.

Mykhailo Fedorov, recently dismissed as Ukraine's defense minister, has emerged as a significant political opponent to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Demonstrations in Kyiv have shown public support for Fedorov, who was seen as an effective reformer during his six-month tenure. Fedorov released a video criticizing Zelenskyy's administration for a "systemic crisis of governance" and corruption within the defense ministry, which he believes is harming the war effort. He called for wartime elections and a renewal of Ukraine's democratic process, stating that democracy should not be held hostage by Russia. Experts suggest Fedorov's critique aligns with concerns about an outdated system prioritizing loyalty over innovation and efficiency. Zelenskyy has not yet responded to Fedorov's accusations, though his administration recently fired a deputy chief of staff amid a money laundering investigation.

Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine's ex-defence minister, has called for elections to be held. The article states that Fedorov made this call without addressing concerns regarding the logistical challenges of conducting elections during wartime. The specific timing or location of these proposed elections is not detailed in the provided content. The primary focus of the article is Fedorov's call for elections and the lack of discussion surrounding the feasibility of holding them while the country is at war.

Former Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called for elections to be held during the ongoing war with Russia, marking the first such demand by a major Ukrainian political figure since the full-scale invasion began in 2022. Fedorov stated that Ukraine's democracy should not be held hostage by Russia and that a legal, safe, and realistic mechanism is needed to restart the democratic process even during a prolonged war. Ukrainian law currently prohibits elections during wartime, and no other major political figure has publicly challenged this. Fedorov, a former ally of President Zelenskyy, was unexpectedly dismissed from his position in July, six months after his appointment, sparking protests. He cited a "systemic crisis of governance" and corruption undermining the war effort, though he did not directly name Zelenskyy.

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.

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.