Former Defense Minister Fedorov Considering Running for President, Sources Say
According to Ukrainska Pravda citing sources close to Fedorov, the former minister may be considering a presidential bid, following his wartime elections call on Tuesday, Aug. 18. His team also reported that he is considering backing another candidate or party, or remaining outside electoral politics while he works in the private sector.
Mykhailo Fedorov, once Ukraine's Defense Minister, is reportedly contemplating a presidential run or involvement in the country's upcoming elections, according to Ukrainska Pravda. Though he has not explicitly stated his intentions, sources close to him assure that he neither dismisses nor fully embraces the possibility. Fedorov's team revealed three potential courses of action: launching a presidential bid, endorsing a specific candidate or party, or abstaining from electoral involvement altogether to concentrate on private-sector pursuits.
His plans are anticipated to crystallize nearer the election date. Nonetheless, Fedorov aims to focus on fostering democratic voting in Ukraine. The call for a "legal, safe and realistic mechanism" to restore democratic processes emerged during a video address he made on Aug. 18. Fedorov emphasized that "democracy cannot be held hostage by Russia" and stressed the urgency of enabling Ukrainians to elect their government.
His stance on elections gained prominence following President Volodymyr Zelensky's appointment of Yevhen Khmara as the permanent Defense Minister on Aug. 19. The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, confirmed Khmara's appointment with a 312-vote majority. However, since Russia's invasion in 2022, Ukraine has yet to host elections, as martial law prohibits voting.
Fedorov's potential candidacy has drawn skepticism regarding the challenges involved, such as accommodating soldiers, Ukrainian refugees, and individuals in occupied territories, along with the threat of Russian disinformation. Despite the skepticism, Fedorov's supporters gathered outside the Verkhovna Rada expressed unease about his decision to enter politics during wartime, emphasizing that his call for elections is not a call for cooperation with the government.
Fedorov's exit from the Defense Ministry, part of a cabinet reshuffle on July 15, triggered protests demanding his reinstatement. Since then, he has declined other government positions, insisting he would only accept resuming his role as Defense Minister.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
