Mykhailo Fedorov elections — Former Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has publicly called for presidential elections to be held in Ukraine despite the ongoing war with Russia. Fedorov’s statement, made on Tuesday in a YouTube video, marks the first time a prominent political figure in Ukraine has advocated for elections during the conflict that began with Russia’s invasion in 2022.

Fedorov argued that Ukraine is facing a “systemic crisis of governance” and urged the creation of a legal and secure mechanism to resume the democratic process, even under martial law. Ukrainian law currently prohibits elections during periods of martial law, but Fedorov insisted, “Democracy cannot be held hostage by Russia. We need to find a legal, safe, and realistic mechanism that allows Ukraine to fully renew its democratic process even in the conditions of a prolonged war.”

At 35, Fedorov was considered a close ally of President Volodymyr Zelensky until his unexpected dismissal from the Defence Ministry in July, only six months after taking office. His tenure was marked by promises of sweeping reforms, which contributed to his popularity. After leaving government, Fedorov became a vocal critic of then-commander of the Armed Forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi, highlighting disagreements over the conduct of the war. These criticisms sparked protests in several Ukrainian cities, with demonstrators demanding Syrskyi’s resignation and Fedorov’s reinstatement.

Zelensky stated that Fedorov was dismissed due to an inability to cooperate with military leadership, but Syrskyi also stepped down later under public pressure. In his latest speech, Fedorov renewed his criticism of the government, claiming the political system resists change and “often lives by its own rules, protecting itself and fearing change.” He also condemned corruption among public officials, suggesting it undermines Ukraine’s war effort. Fedorov implied that his push to reform Defence Ministry procurement processes, involving billions of dollars in contracts, contributed to his removal.

Just hours before Fedorov’s remarks, Zelensky announced the formal nomination of Yevhenii Khmara as Defence Minister. While Fedorov has not declared his candidacy, he is widely seen as a potential challenger to Zelensky. According to a recent poll cited by Reuters, Fedorov would defeat Zelensky in a hypothetical runoff.

Fedorov first rose to national prominence as Ukraine’s Minister of Digital Transformation, where he played a key role in digitizing public services and promoting the use of drones in the war against Russia. Upon taking over the Defence Ministry in January, he pledged to modernize the department through data and technology, advocating for a strategy to wear down Russian forces through innovation. “Our people have long been ready for a different country. Now, the state must become worthy of its people,” Fedorov said in his address.