Ukraine's fired defense minister calls for elections despite war with Russia

Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine's former defense minister, has called for elections to take place, even amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. The request for a vote comes as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has imposed martial law, which bans elections since Russia's invasion in February 2022. In a YouTube video, Fedorov stated, "Democracy cannot be held hostage by Russia," and demanded a "legal, safe and realistic mechanism that will allow Ukraine to restore a full democratic process even amidst a prolonged war."

He added, "We are fighting precisely because we want to remain a free European state." Prior to his dismissal last month, Fedorov had helped shape Ukraine's strategy to end the war by utilizing drones and robots against the larger adversary. Zelenskyy's decision to fire Fedorov, citing a lack of harmony between him and Zelenskyy's top general, Oleksandr Syrskyi, prompted weeks of protests from thousands of Ukrainians, criticizing the removal of the highly respected minister.

Fedorov had greatly contributed to turning the tide of the war, increasing Ukraine's strikes into Russia tenfold and strengthening its domestic arsenal. In an interview with CBS News just days before his public call for an election, Fedorov noted that the protests against his removal demonstrate that the Ukrainian people support democratic values and that Ukraine is fighting for its freedom.

Although Fedorov did not specify his own plans in the event of an election, he previously expressed that he would only return to the government as defense minister. The ex-defense minister recognized the challenges of conducting an election during the war, such as ensuring soldiers, those living near the front line, and Ukrainians who have fled can cast their votes. Fedorov emphasized, "This is complex... But complexity does not mean impossibility."