Fedorov Calls for Wartime Elections, Says Putin Shouldn’t Set the Timeline

Former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called for wartime elections in Ukraine, rejecting the notion that Russian President Vladimir Putin should dictate when Ukrainian citizens can vote. In a video address, Fedorov emphasized the need for a "legal, safe, and realistic mechanism" to hold elections during the ongoing conflict, ensuring voting rights for soldiers, Ukrainians abroad, and those in frontline areas.

He stressed that democracy should not be held hostage by Russia, stating, "We must not let Putin decide when Ukrainians can choose their government." Fedorov also advocated for increased government transparency, demanding officials accountable and required to publicly explain their decisions. Ukrainian law currently bans elections during martial law, and only the Verkhovna Rada can lift this restriction.

The debate on wartime elections resurfaced in 2025 after US President Donald Trump advocated for democracy without elections, leading Zelensky to express openness to holding a vote once the electoral process was secured and legislation updated. However, any election would necessitate a prior ceasefire with Russia. Putin has consistently criticized Ukraine's democratic legitimacy, arguing that Kyiv has not held parliamentary and presidential elections while under martial law.

Meanwhile, Fedorov's comments come as Russia recently banned its only registered liberal anti-war party, Yabloko, from the upcoming State Duma parliamentary elections. Fedorov's video address came shortly after President Volodymyr Zelensky submitted a motion to the Verkhovna Rada, nominating Yevhen Khmara as acting Defense Minister indefinitely.

This appointment sparked nationwide protests demanding his reinstatement as defense minister, which had culminated in his dismissal on July 15. Fedorov has since declined other government roles, insisting he would only accept his former position if reinstated.