Sacked Ukraine defence minister calls for wartime election

Ukraine's former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has broken ranks, calling for elections to be held even as the nation remains embroiled in a full-scale war with Russia. This unprecedented demand marks the first significant leadership challenge to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy since the invasion began in 2022.

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Democracy cannot be held hostage by Russia.

Fedorov, who was unexpectedly fired in July, stated in a video address that Ukraine faces a "crisis of governance" and that "democracy cannot be held hostage by Russia." He urged the country to "find a legal, safe and realistic mechanism" to resume its democratic processes amid the prolonged conflict. Ukrainian law currently prohibits holding elections during wartime, presenting a significant legal hurdle to Fedorov's proposal.

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We must find a legal, safe and realistic mechanism that will allow Ukraine to renew its full democratic process even in the conditions of a long war.

The dismissal of Fedorov, once a close ally of Zelenskyy and the last remaining member of his original 2019 cabinet, exposed a rift between him and the armed forces commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi. This led to public protests in Kyiv demanding Syrskyi's removal, which Zelenskyy eventually conceded to. Protests in support of Fedorov have continued for the past month, indicating public backing for the former minister.

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Ukraine faces a 'crisis of governance'.

While Fedorov has not confirmed his intention to run in any potential election, recent polling suggests he could pose a serious challenge to President Zelenskyy. Fedorov has been critical of what he describes as an "old system" that "protects itself" and is "scared of change," implying a need for systemic reform within the government. His statement comes just as a new Defense Minister, Yevhenii Khmara, is set to be confirmed.

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The old system lives by its own rules too often. It protects itself. It is scared of change.