Sacked Ukraine minister calls for wartime election

Former Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called for presidential elections to be held despite the country remaining at war with Russia.

Fedorov made the appeal in a video posted online, arguing that Ukraine’s democratic system should not be suspended indefinitely because of the war.

“Democracy cannot be held hostage by Russia,” Fedorov said. He argued that Ukraine is fighting to preserve its identity as a free European state.

Ukraine has remained under martial law since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Elections have been suspended under the wartime legal framework.

Fedorov, 35, did not directly name President Volodymyr Zelensky in his remarks. However, his call for elections is being viewed as a significant challenge to the political leadership that has governed Ukraine throughout the war.

The former minister was unexpectedly removed from his position in late July, around six months after taking charge of the Defence Ministry. His dismissal came amid political tensions and was followed by protests in several parts of the country.

During his time as defence minister, Fedorov pushed for greater use of technology and data within the ministry. He was also associated with efforts to improve efficiency and address corruption.

His departure was widely linked to tensions with Ukraine’s military leadership. Army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi was also later replaced after growing political pressure on the government.

In his latest statement, Fedorov did not announce any plans to enter politics or seek office himself. Instead, he called for a legal and practical mechanism to restore the country’s democratic process while the conflict continues.

He also warned that Ukraine is facing a broader governance crisis. Fedorov said concerns over corruption and resistance to political change could weaken the country’s ability to fight the war.

Zelensky has not publicly responded to Fedorov’s latest remarks.

Following Fedorov’s removal, Zelensky appointed Yevgeniy Khmara, a career intelligence official, as acting defence minister. Fedorov was reportedly offered other positions within the government, including the role of deputy prime minister responsible for military innovation.

However, he has indicated that he would consider returning to government only as defence minister.

Before becoming defence minister, Fedorov served as Ukraine’s minister of digital transformation. He played a prominent role in developing Ukraine’s digital infrastructure and helped establish the volunteer “IT Army of Ukraine” during the early stages of Russia’s full-scale invasion.