{
  "id": 1891943,
  "title": "Ukraine updates: Ousted minister Fedorov calls for elections",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/ukraine-updates-ousted-minister-fedorov-calls-for-elections",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-19T08:11:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "DW News",
    "slug": "dw-news",
    "url": "https://www.dw.com/en/ukraine-updates-ousted-minister-fedorov-calls-for-elections/live-78421712?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On 19 August 2026, former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called for wartime elections in Ukraine. This move represents a significant challenge to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy since the invasion by Russia began.\n\nFedorov, who was ousted recently, made his announcement in a video message broadcast on Tuesday evening. In his message, he emphasized that \"democracy must not be held hostage by Russia\" and reiterated his commitment to Ukraine's pursuit of a free European state.\n\nHis call for elections came shortly after President Zelenskyy had nominated acting Defense Minister Yevhenii Khmara to succeed Fedorov permanently. However, Fedorov remains a popular figure among the younger Ukrainian population, with thousands advocating for his reinstatement in the defense ministry.\n\nFedorov is credited with playing a crucial role in Ukraine's digitalization efforts during the war, particularly in the development of drone warfare capabilities.",
  "summary": "Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called for wartime elections in Ukraine in the biggest challenge to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion. DW has more.",
  "key_points": [
    "Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov calls for wartime elections.",
    "Fedorov's announcement challenges President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's leadership.",
    "Call for elections emphasizes democracy over Russian occupation."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "DW English (Top Stories)",
        "title": "Ukraine updates: Ousted minister Fedorov calls for elections",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/ukraine-updates-ousted-minister-fedorov-calls-for-elections",
        "published": "2026-08-19T08:11:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}