Zelensky details rift with Ukraine’s dismissed defence minister Fedorov

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has rejected calls for wartime elections, stating they pose a "huge risk" and would "split" the country, potentially leading to its destruction. This stance contradicts former Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov's recent demand for a vote, arguing Ukraine's democracy should not be held hostage by Russia. Ukrainian law currently prohibits elections during wartime. Zelenskyy also discussed Ukraine's efforts to counter Russian air strikes, focusing on targeting ballistic missile launchers and developing domestic versions of satellite communication systems. The country faces a significant defense funding gap for 2026 and beyond, while securing air defense systems and interceptors from allies.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that holding elections in Ukraine during wartime would risk splitting the country, calling the idea a "tsunami for the state." He criticized a proposal for elections, particularly from former minister Mykhailo Fedorov, deeming it impractical given Russia's apparent lack of interest in a ceasefire and its ongoing military buildup. Zelenskyy indicated he would support elections if allies established specific conditions for safe, legitimate, and democratic participation, including for the military and citizens abroad. He also discussed Ukraine's need for air defense systems, particularly Patriot missiles, to counter Russian ballistic missile attacks and expressed confidence that Russia would fail in its efforts to capture the rest of Donetsk province.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly detailed his dispute with dismissed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, stating that Fedorov's actions, including involvement in protests and calls for elections, were misguided. Zelenskyy also cited problematic defense spending decisions and inaccurate information from the Defense Ministry that led to an awkward encounter with U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Starlink usage in Russia. The president revealed a growing shortage of Patriot air-defense missiles, with declining Western ally deliveries despite intensified Russian attacks. However, Zelenskyy reported battlefield gains, noting that Ukrainian forces have nearly recaptured the Dnipropetrovsk region. These remarks were made during an off-the-record meeting with reporters, with a transcript released publicly.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has publicly detailed his dispute with former Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov for the first time. Zelensky stated that Fedorov's actions, including participation in mass protests and calls for an election, were misguided. The President also cited problematic defense spending decisions and inaccurate information from the Defence Ministry that led to an awkward interaction with US President Donald Trump regarding Starlink use. Zelensky disclosed a growing shortage of Patriot air-defense missiles, noting a decline in Western ally deliveries over the past three years despite increased Russian missile strikes.

Ukraine's former Defence Minister Oleksii Fedorov told the BBC that President Zelensky has "questions to answer" regarding corruption within his government, though he stated he has no personal evidence of the President's corruption. Fedorov, who was recently dismissed, also called for elections to be held in Ukraine. He claimed to have addressed corruption in defense procurement, but acknowledged it still impacts the frontline. Fedorov highlighted his innovations, such as an "army of drones," and plans to visit the US to meet Elon Musk to discuss extending Starlink technology into Russian airspace for Ukrainian strikes. He emphasized the importance of continued collaboration with tech companies for Ukraine's war effort.