Mykhailo Fedorov, dismissed from his role as Ukraine's defence minister in July, has publicly called for presidential elections to be held during the ongoing war with Russia, arguing that democracy cannot be suspended indefinitely.
Former Ukrainian defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov has challenged President Volodymyr Zelensky's grip on power by calling for wartime elections in a video released on Tuesday. The 35-year-old argued that democracy should not be held hostage by the conflict, stating that Ukraine is fighting "precisely because we want to remain a free European state."
Fedorov's appeal represents a significant test to Zelensky's leadership since Russia's full-scale invasion began in February 2022. Current martial law in Ukraine has suspended all elections, a measure maintained throughout the conflict. The former minister did not name Zelensky directly in his video but instead focused on the need for "a legal, safe, and realistic mechanism that will allow Ukraine to restore a full democratic process even amidst a prolonged war."
Fedorov's dismissal in late July came after only six months in the role and sparked widespread protests across the country. His departure is widely attributed to tensions with army commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, who was himself replaced weeks later following public pressure. During his tenure, Fedorov gained recognition for modernising the defence ministry, tackling corruption, and pioneering high-tech warfare innovations including drone operations and cyber-attacks against Russian targets. His efforts included establishing the volunteer "IT Army of Ukraine" and designing systems that gamified drone strikes against Russian positions.
Fedorov has rejected other government positions offered to him, including deputy prime minister for military innovation, insisting he would only return as defence minister. Zelensky has since appointed career intelligence official Yevgeniy Khmara as acting defence minister. The president has yet to publicly respond to Fedorov's call for elections.
