Mykhailo Fedorov, recently dismissed as Ukraine's defense minister, has publicly called for the resumption of elections despite the ongoing war.

Former Ukrainian defense chief Mykhailo Fedorov has called for the country to hold elections, marking a significant political challenge to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Fedorov, who was dismissed from his post last month, argued in a video statement that Ukraine must establish a mechanism to continue its democratic process despite the ongoing Russian invasion.

Fedorov's Call for Reform

In a nine-minute video posted to YouTube on Tuesday, Fedorov stated that democracy should not be held hostage by the war. He described a 'systemic crisis of governance' and criticized official corruption for negatively impacting the war effort, though he did not name specific lawmakers. Fedorov, 35, is a former ally of the president and is known for his work in drone warfare and anti-corruption initiatives.

Government Response and Leadership Changes

Fedorov's dismissal in late July triggered protests in major cities across Ukraine. Shortly after his statement, President Zelenskyy requested that parliament confirm Yevhen Khmara as the new defense minister. This move effectively ends the possibility of Fedorov returning to the position. As of the report's publication, President Zelenskyy had not responded to the video, and the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry had not provided comment.