Sacked Ukrainian defence minister urges path to elections

Ukraine's once-popular ex-defence minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, has called for a path towards elections, even amid the ongoing Russian invasion. Fedorov, who was sacked last month, emphasized in a YouTube video that democracy cannot be held hostage by Russia. He argued that Ukraine must discover a "legal, safe, and realistic mechanism" to restore a full democratic process amidst the prolonged war.

Fedorov acknowledged the challenges in holding elections during the war, such as ensuring soldiers, civilians near the front lines, and Ukrainians abroad can participate. Despite these obstacles, he stressed that complexity does not mean impossibility. Appointed as defence minister in January, Fedorov aimed to reform a military plagued by corruption, equipment shortages, absenteeism, conscript treatment, and an unpopular mobilisation strategy.

His dismissal in July led to weeks of protests, increasing pressure on President Volodymyr Zelensky. Fedorov's replacement, Yevgeniy Khmara, remains an acting defence minister pending a vote in parliament. Fedorov did not reveal his political plans in the video but has previously stated he would only return to the government as defence minister. A demonstration supporting his cause is planned outside parliament on Wednesday morning, according to his former adviser and key backer, Sergiy Sternenko.