Ukraine: Could ex-defense minister challenge Zelenskyy?
Last week, former Ukrainian defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov released a video in which he spoke of corruption, a crisis of leadership and elections. His explosive remarks have sparked widespread public debate.
Ukraine experienced a flurry of political scandals this week, beginning with former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov addressing the nation via YouTube. In his nine-minute speech, Fedorov argued that Ukraine cannot function without a fully appointed defense minister and highlighted systemic governance issues, emphasizing that corruption is merely a symptom.
He criticized the lack of national elections since 2019 and criticized the current state of governance. Hours before Fedorov's address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposed Yevhenii Khmara as the new defense minister. However, shortly after Fedorov's speech, anti-corruption investigators raided several high-ranking officials' homes, leading to Mudra and Stolar's dismissal and Zelenskyy's dismissal of Fedorov as defense minister on July 15.
Protests erupted in response to Fedorov's reinstatement demand, with his reinstatement proposal gaining significant public support. A poll conducted on July 20 and 21 found trust in Fedorov rising from 35% to 65%. Before the speech, Fedorov aimed to utilize the increased political capital he gained during the protests to position himself as an independent player against Zelenskyy.
Political scientists Oleksiy Haran and Vadym Denysenko believe that Fedorov's renewed political focus signals a growing opposition to the president, despite no direct criticism of Zelenskyy. However, Haran doubts a permanent rift with the government, and Denysenko suggests that Fedorov's comments reflect the desire for a government change while emphasizing the need for a stable ceasefire for free elections.
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