Kyiv's ex-defence chief makes risky bet by venturing into electoral grounds

Former Ukraine Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, a once-popular tech advocate for reforms, has entered the political arena with a controversial proposal: advocating for wartime elections. This move, announced in a fiery address on August 18, marked a dramatic break with President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was recently given a successor by the Ukrainian parliament.

Fedorov's stance sparked unease among supporters who gathered outside Ukraine's parliament in Kyiv on August 19. One protester, Yevgeniia, expressed disappointment, stating that Fedorov's transformation from a manager to a politician was disappointing. The former defense chief's decision to challenge the prevailing consensus against wartime elections is seen as a bold, yet risky move in a country where political trust is already low.

The address, filmed a month after his dismissal, dismissed speculation about Fedorov's future and declared his intent to pursue a political career. The video featured images of former presidential aide Andriy Yermak and parliamentary faction leader David Arakhamia, implying a broader critique of Zelensky's inner circle. Fedorov's video explicitly called for elections, a proposal that contradicts Ukraine's martial law suspension of elections, a stance that is widely supported by the population.

A recent poll conducted by Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) found that only 15% of respondents believed elections should be held before the end of hostilities. Critics argue that the lack of dialogue between society and the presidency, which led to Fedorov's dismissal, has become a significant grievance among protesters. Olya Rodionova, a 43-year-old protester, emphasized the importance of the government engaging with the public, stating that the people elected Zelensky and demand that their views be heard.