Sacked Ukrainian defence minister calls for presidential election

Popular ex-defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov has urged for presidential elections, marking a significant challenge to Volodymyr Zelensky's leadership since Russia invaded Ukraine four and a half years ago. In a YouTube video, Fedorov, 35, stated that Ukraine is fighting "precisely because we want to remain a free European state" and called for democracy not to be held hostage by Russia.

Ukraine has been under martial law since the war began in 2022, suspending elections. Fedorov, who was unexpectedly removed from his defence minister role six months after his appointment, did not mention Zelensky by name in the video.

Zelensky has yet to address the video, but he recently mentioned the responsibilities of the newly-appointed Defence Minister Yevhenii Khmara, including defending against deadly Russian aerial attacks and improving deep-strike capabilities within Russia. A source in the presidential office deemed the plan for elections amidst missiles and drones highly unrealistic and a lack of realism.

Several Ukrainian analysts questioned the feasibility of organizing voting for millions of displaced Ukrainians and soldiers on the front lines. Zelensky, whose five-year term ended in May 2024, has faced pressure from the US and Russia to hold new elections. In an attempt to secure security for elections, Zelensky had previously suggested they could be held within 60-90 days if allies guaranteed safety.

However, holding a fair and safe vote amidst Russian bombardment and Russian attacks on buses and police headquarters remain significant hurdles.

Fedorov criticized corruption, which he believed was depriving the military of weapons and equipment, hindering Ukraine's ability to win the war. He described Ukraine as facing a "systemic crisis of governance" and being "scared of change." Around 100 protesters gathered outside the Ukrainian parliament, chanting for Fedorov's return as defence minister and expressing a desire for dialogue.

Fedorov's call for elections has angered some Ukrainian commentators, including those who supported his reinstatement as defence minister.