Ousted Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov Calls for Wartime Elections
Ukraine's former defence minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, has called for wartime presidential elections, presenting what is widely regarded as the most significant challenge to President Volodymyr Zelensky's leadership since Russia launched its full-scale invasion. The 35-year-old politician made the appeal in a video published on YouTube, arguing that democratic processes must not be suspended indefinitely due to the conflict.
Since the outbreak of the war in February 2022, Ukraine has remained under martial law, a status that constitutionally suspends all elections. Zelensky's official five-year presidential term concluded in May 2024, and he has faced pressure from both Washington and Moscow to hold a vote. Fedorov, who did not refer to Zelensky by name in his video, argued that "democracy cannot be held hostage by Russia," adding that Ukraine's fight is driven by the desire to remain a free European state.
Political Tensions and Public Protests
Fedorov was unexpectedly dismissed from his post as defence minister last month, having served only six months in the role. His removal sparked widespread protests across the country. The dismissal reportedly stemmed from deep-seated tensions between Fedorov and the army commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi. In a rapid sequence of events, Syrskyi was also replaced within days of Fedorov's departure as public pressure on the presidency mounted.
Following his removal, Fedorov was offered alternative government positions, including deputy prime minister for military innovation, but he declined, stating he would only return to government as defence minister. On Wednesday morning, approximately 100 protesters gathered outside the Ukrainian parliament in Kyiv, chanting slogans demanding his reinstatement. Many younger Ukrainians have expressed disappointment over the decision to side with established military leadership over the digital innovator.
In his video address, Fedorov warned of a "systemic crisis of governance" and expressed concern over a growing public perception that personal loyalty to the system is valued above professional competence. He also targeted internal corruption, asserting that it deprives front-line soldiers of essential weaponry and equipment, thereby hindering Ukraine's war effort.
Debate Over Feasibility of Wartime Voting
The proposal to hold elections during an active conflict has drawn sharp criticism from government officials and political analysts. A source within the presidential office described the idea of planning elections under the threat of daily missile and drone strikes as "highly bizarre" and lacking realism. Analysts have also pointed out the immense logistical hurdles of organising a fair vote for millions of displaced citizens abroad and hundreds of thousands of active-duty soldiers stationed on the front lines.
Even among Fedorov's supporters, the call for elections has caused division. Oleksandr Merezhko, a member of parliament loyal to Zelensky who previously supported Fedorov's return to the defence ministry, described the proposal as "very dangerous and unrealistic," warning that it could weaken national unity and play into Russian hands. Similarly, some protesters in Kyiv expressed reservations, suggesting that while they hope for a new president after the war, holding elections now remains unsafe.
Conversely, opposition MP Volodymyr Aryev supported the call, claiming that the government has become detached from reality and that the country must now choose between holding elections and facing chaos.
Anti-Corruption Operations and Ongoing Strikes
Amid the political debate, Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies announced a major special operation targeting current and former members of parliament, alongside an unnamed official within the presidential office. Shortly after the announcement, Zelensky's office confirmed the dismissal of deputy head Iryna Mudra, following local media reports of a raid on her property. Mudra has not commented publicly, though MP Vadym Stolar confirmed his home was searched and stated he is cooperating with the investigation.
Meanwhile, Russian military strikes continue to inflict casualties across the country. On Wednesday, a Russian drone strike targeted a minibus in the southern city of Kherson, killing four people. Public transport in Kherson has been repeatedly hit in recent months. In the central city of Zhytomyr, a drone strike on the regional police headquarters killed two police officers and injured 20 others, according to local officials.
Zelensky has not directly addressed Fedorov's video. However, in his own address, the president outlined the immediate priorities for the newly-confirmed Defence Minister, Yevhenii Khmara, which include countering Russian aerial attacks and expanding deep-strike capabilities inside Russian territory.
