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Ukraine’s ousted Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called for elections to be held despite the ongoing war with Russia, mounting a major political challenge to President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and warning that the country is facing a systemic crisis of governance.
In a video address, Fedorov argued that Ukraine should develop a legal, secure and realistic mechanism to restore the democratic process during wartime. He said Russia should not be allowed to determine when Ukrainians can again elect their government, stressing that democracy remained central to the country’s struggle.
Fedorov’s appeal represents the first such demand by a major Ukrainian political figure since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Elections are currently prohibited under Ukrainian law while martial law remains in effect.
The former minister, who had previously been a close ally of Zelenskiy, was dismissed after only about six months in the defence post. His removal was followed by public protests and tensions with military leadership. Fedorov has also criticized what he described as entrenched systems, corruption and resistance to reforms within the government.
His remarks came shortly before Zelenskiy sought parliamentary approval for Yevhenii Khmara as the new defence minister, adding to political uncertainty surrounding the defence establishment.
Fedorov did not announce that he intended to run for office. However, his growing political profile and recent polling indicating significant support have fueled speculation about his potential future role in Ukrainian politics.
The call for elections comes as Ukraine continues to face the enormous logistical and security challenges of conducting a nationwide vote during an active war, including displaced citizens, military personnel and territories under Russian occupation.
Fedorov nevertheless maintained that Ukraine must preserve democratic legitimacy while defending itself, framing the restoration of elections as an essential part of the country’s future political development.
