Fedorov's Election Call Ends Protests, Sparks Criticism

Street protests in Ukraine, which had been demanding the return of Mykhailo Fedorov to his position as Defense Minister, have unexpectedly ceased. The movement dissolved after organizers firmly rejected Fedorov's appeal for general elections to be held during the ongoing war.

Fedorov, who was dismissed in July by President Zelenskyy as part of a government reshuffle, had emerged as a political rival to the president. He gained traction by criticizing Zelenskyy's administration, focusing on issues like corruption and centralized decision-making. However, his subsequent call for elections during wartime has met with widespread negative reactions, even from his former supporters.

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People cannot live indefinitely in a situation where they do not understand why certain decisions are made. Why some reforms advance while others are blocked. Why decisions needed today on the front circulate for months in government offices.

Critics argue that holding elections under martial law is legally prohibited and practically impossible. They also contend that such a move would benefit Russia and sow division at a critical time for national unity. Fedorov himself had previously stated, "People cannot live indefinitely in a situation where they do not understand why certain decisions are made. Why some reforms advance while others are blocked. Why decisions needed today on the front circulate for months in government offices."

Zelenskyy continues to command broad support as a wartime leader. While public frustration exists, his allies emphasize the need for discretion regarding internal state mechanisms during a period of existential threat. Fedorov's unexpected rise as a rival was fueled by his surprising dismissal, despite his success in leveraging technology for Ukraine's defense efforts against Russia.

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It is dangerous when society begins to feel that the main criterion for an appointment is not professionalism, results, or the ability to transform the country, but personal loyalty to the system.