Sacked Ukraine Defence Minister Calls for Presidential Election Amid War

Former Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called for a presidential election despite the country’s ongoing war with Russia, in what is being described as one of the most significant domestic political challenges to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy since the full-scale invasion began in 2022.

Fedorov, 35, made the call in a video address released on Tuesday, arguing that Ukraine must find a “legal, safe and realistic mechanism” to restore its democratic process even while the war continues.

“Democracy cannot be held hostage by Russia,” Fedorov said, arguing that Ukraine was fighting to remain a free European state.

The former minister did not explicitly name Zelenskyy in his address, but his remarks amount to a direct challenge to the president’s position on elections during wartime.

Ukraine remains under martial law, and elections are currently barred under Ukrainian law while martial law is in force. Zelenskyy has previously said elections should be held once conditions allow for a safe and legitimate vote.

Fedorov was unexpectedly removed as defence minister in July, only about six months after taking the position.

His dismissal followed tensions with military leadership and triggered protests in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, with demonstrators calling for his reinstatement. He had developed a reputation as a reformer, particularly through his earlier work on Ukraine’s digital transformation and efforts to modernise defence operations.

During his brief tenure at the Defence Ministry, Fedorov pushed reforms and promoted greater use of technology and drones in Ukraine’s war effort.

His removal has since fuelled speculation that he could emerge as a political rival to Zelenskyy, although Fedorov has not announced plans to run for president. Reuters noted that opinion polls have suggested he could be a serious contender in a future presidential contest.

In his address, Fedorov also criticised what he described as a crisis of governance in Ukraine.

He argued that the country needed to restore public confidence and accused the political system of allowing personal loyalty to influence appointments and decision-making.

He also warned that corruption was not merely a financial problem but could affect Ukraine’s ability to fight and survive the war.

His comments came as Ukraine faces fresh political pressure, with anti-corruption agencies simultaneously investigating a suspected criminal organisation allegedly involving lawmakers and senior officials connected to the presidential office.

The developments have added to the political challenges facing Zelenskyy as Russia’s invasion enters its fifth year.

For now, there is no indication that Ukraine will immediately hold a presidential election. The legal restrictions imposed under martial law remain a major obstacle, while the practical challenges of conducting a nationwide vote during an active war include security, displaced voters and territories occupied by Russia.

Fedorov’s intervention, however, has opened a new and potentially consequential debate over how Ukraine can maintain democratic legitimacy while continuing its fight against Russia.