Sacked Ukraine defence minister urges path to elections
KYIV: Ukraine’s popular ex-defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov, sacked last month, on Tuesday called for a move towards elections that have been put off because of the Russian invasion.
Kyiv, Ukraine - Ex-defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who was dismissed last month, has called for a path towards elections despite the ongoing Russian invasion and martial law. In a YouTube video, Fedorov emphasized that democracy cannot be compromised by Russia and stressed that Ukraine must find a legal, safe, and realistic mechanism to restore a full democratic process amidst the prolonged war.
He acknowledged the challenges, such as ensuring soldiers, individuals near the front lines, and millions of Ukrainians abroad can participate in the elections, but maintained that complexity does not mean impossibility. Fedorov, appointed defense minister in January, aimed to reform a military plagued by corruption, equipment shortages, absenteeism, and an unpopular mobilization drive.
His dismissal led to protests, which put pressure on President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who replaced the army chief with a less politically prominent official. Fedorov has stated previously that he would only return to the government as defense minister and has indicated no political plans in the video. Another protest in support of Fedorov is planned outside parliament on Wednesday morning.
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