Zelensky must 'answer' for government corruption, says former defense minister

Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has asserted that President Volodymyr Zelensky must confront allegations of corruption within his administration. Fedorov, who was recently dismissed from his post, specifically raised questions about whether Zelensky was aware of potential illicit activities among his inner circle.

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President Zelensky has to 'answer' for the alleged cases of corruption in his government.

"President Zelensky has to 'answer' for the alleged cases of corruption in his government," Fedorov told the BBC in recent remarks. He pointed to a money laundering investigation announced the previous week, suggesting it raised significant questions about the president's knowledge of possible wrongdoing.

Fedorov, a proponent of using drones in the conflict with Russia, was replaced last month, reportedly due to disagreements with the head of Ukraine's armed forces. He reiterated his stance that "democracy must not be a hostage of (Russian President Vladimir) Putin," while also advocating for elections to be held in Ukraine.

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democracy must not be a hostage of (Russian President Vladimir) Putin

Despite Ukraine being under martial law since Russia's 2022 invasion, which suspends elections, Fedorov believes he has the "moral right" to initiate a debate on the matter. "We must not be afraid to talk about it. That's what democracy is about. If I cannot share my ideas and express them openly to my own society, then what are we fighting for?" he asked, warning that failing to hold elections would mean Ukraine is "no longer a democracy."

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We must not be afraid to talk about it. That's what democracy is about. If I cannot share my ideas and express them openly to my own society, then what are we fighting for?

Zelensky has previously argued that holding elections during wartime would be too dangerous for Ukraine. Fedorov's call for elections and his comments on corruption followed a video he released last week, which was published just before the money laundering investigation against lawmakers and bankers was announced. The Ukrainian parliament subsequently appointed Yevhenii Hmara as the new defense minister.

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If elections are never held, then we are no longer a democracy.