Ukraine’s Ousted Defense Chief Calls for Wartime Elections
A popular former defense minister whose dismissal last month sparked protests has delivered a videotaped address to Ukrainians in which he assailed wartime corruption, warned of a systemic crisis of governance, and said the country must find a way to hold elections despite the continuing Russian invasion. Mykhaylo Fedorov's remarks late on August 18 came hours after lawmakers said President…
Former defense minister Mykhaylo Fedorov has called for wartime elections in Ukraine, criticizing wartime corruption and warning of a systemic crisis of governance. In a videotaped address on August 18, he urged the country to find a way to hold elections despite the ongoing Russian invasion. A vote for the nomination of acting Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara is expected on August 19.
Fedorov's comments may add pressure on President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who has faced corruption scandals and questions regarding recent personnel decisions. The Ukrainian president, elected for a five-year term in 2019, has been under martial law since the Russian invasion in February 2022, preventing elections. Fedorov emphasized the importance of restoring a full-fledged democratic process and ensuring the right to vote for the military, Ukrainians abroad, and people in frontline regions.
He stressed the need for security, independence of institutions, and trust in the electoral result. Fedorov acknowledged the difficulty of the situation, stating that wartime corruption is not just a financial issue but a question of the ability to survive and win. He called for a new social contract where citizens trust the state, and the state speaks honestly with the citizen.
Written by urgent.news from OilPrice's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
