Ousted Ukraine defense minister urges wartime elections, warning of a governance crisis

Ukraine's former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called for elections to be held during the ongoing war against Russia, warning that the country is facing a crisis of governance. This appeal comes from one of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's most trusted and long-standing team members, and it could prove to be the most significant internal challenge Zelenskyy has faced since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.

In a video address posted to YouTube, Fedorov stated that Ukraine must find a legal, safe, and realistic mechanism to restore a full democratic process, even amidst the prolonged war. Zelenskyy's office has not yet commented on Fedorov's address.

Ukrainian law currently prohibits elections while the country is under martial law, which was imposed on the day Russia invaded, February 24, 2022. Fedorov argued that the country is experiencing a systemic crisis in its governance, claiming that the current system is focused on protecting itself and resisting change. He also condemned corruption among officials, without naming any specific individuals, stating that it has weakened Ukraine's ability to fight the war.

Fedorov believes that corruption during wartime is not merely a financial issue, but a matter of the country's capability to survive and win. He emphasized that every single hryvnia intended for defense must work towards defense, not for private gain. He released the address hours after Ukraine's Parliament received a submission nominating Yevhenii Khmara to be the new defense minister.