Sacked Ukrainian Defense Minister Fedorov Calls for Wartime Elections
Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, dismissed in July 2026, publicly called for holding elections during the ongoing war with Russia, arguing that democracy cannot be held hostage by Moscow. His statement challenges President Zelenskyy, who has suspended elections under martial law since Russia’s 2022 invasion. Fedorov’s call follows his sacking, which sparked protests in Kyiv, and comes as Zelenskyy nominated Yevhen Khmara as the new defense minister. The demand highlights growing political tensions within Ukraine’s wartime leadership.
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Zelenskyy Rejects Wartime Elections, Warns They Would Split Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has firmly rejected calls to hold national elections while the war with Russia continues, arguing that a wartime vote would dangerously divide the country. In a statement reported by the Financial Times, Zelenskyy emphasized that holding elections under current conditions—with millions of citizens displaced, martial law in effect, and active combat zones—would be impractical and politically destabilizing. The rejection comes amid pressure from some domestic and international voices who argue that elections are necessary for democratic legitimacy. However, Zelenskyy maintains that national unity is paramount during the ongoing invasion, and that elections should only occur after hostilities cease and security conditions allow for fair and inclusive voting. The decision underscores the delicate balance between democratic processes and wartime governance in Ukraine.
Zelenskyy Rejects Demand for New Elections, Warns of National Division
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly rejected a demand from lawmaker Fedorov for new elections during the ongoing war with Russia. Speaking to journalists, Zelenskyy argued that holding elections in wartime poses a grave risk and would 'lead to the division of the country like a tsunami.' The statement underscores the deep political tensions within Ukraine over the timing and legitimacy of electoral processes while the nation remains under martial law and faces an existential threat. Zelenskyy's firm stance reflects concerns that elections could destabilize the government and fracture national unity at a critical juncture in the conflict.
Zelenskyy Rejects Wartime Elections, Warns They Would 'Split' Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in remarks made public on August 23, 2026, firmly rejected holding elections during the ongoing war with Russia, stating that such a move would be a 'tsunami' that would 'split' the country. Ukraine has suspended elections under martial law, a measure still widely supported by the population. The comments came after former Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, whom Zelenskyy recently fired, surprisingly called for organizing a vote. Zelenskyy held his first briefing in months amid political crises, including protests following Fedorov's dismissal. Experts cite numerous obstacles to wartime elections, including voting by soldiers, refugees, and occupied territories, as well as Russian disinformation threats. A poll shows only 15% of Ukrainians believe elections should be held before hostilities end. Zelenskyy positioned himself as a unifier against division, warning against disrespect toward the military.
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Fedorov reportedly plans to travel to USA to seek support amid Kyiv power struggle
A power struggle is escalating in Kyiv between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and former Defense Minister Fedorov. Fedorov is calling for new elections and accusing Zelenskyy of nepotism. According to WELT reporter Christoph Wanner, Fedorov reportedly plans to travel to the United States to seek support. The conflict highlights growing political tensions within Ukraine's leadership.
Fedorov Calls for Elections in Ukraine, Escalating Power Struggle with Zelenskyy
Mykhailo Fedorov, a long-time member of the Ukrainian government and a key figure in President Zelenskyy's inner circle, has released a video message that constitutes a direct challenge to the head of state. In the message, Fedorov demands elections in Ukraine, signaling a significant escalation in internal political tensions. WELT reporter Christoph Wanner characterizes the move as a 'frontal attack' on Zelenskyy, noting that the situation is 'escalating little by little.' This development marks a rare public rift within Ukraine's wartime leadership, raising questions about political stability and the timing of democratic processes amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
New elections during wartime? What the case of Mykhailo Fedorov reveals about Ukraine
The dismissal of Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has sparked ongoing protests in Kyiv. In a recent internet video, Fedorov made a sensitive demand for new elections to be held during the ongoing war. The article explores the motivations behind his initiative and what it reveals about the current political situation in Ukraine.
Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Fedorov Calls for New Elections Amid Protests
The dismissal of Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has sparked ongoing protests in Kyiv. In a recent internet video, Fedorov made a sensitive demand for new elections to be held during the ongoing war. The article analyzes the political motivations behind his move, noting that as things currently stand, he would likely lose such elections. The protests and Fedorov's call highlight growing political tensions in Ukraine amid the conflict.
Dismissed Ukrainian Defense Minister Calls for New Elections Amid War
Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has publicly called for new elections in Ukraine despite the ongoing war with Russia, directly contradicting President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's position. Fedorov argues that Ukraine must not allow Russia to dictate when elections are held, framing the call as a matter of sovereignty and democratic principle. The statement signals a growing political power struggle within Ukraine's leadership during wartime, as Zelenskyy has previously postponed elections citing martial law and national security concerns. The article, published by Die Welt, highlights internal dissent over the timing of democratic processes while the country remains under Russian aggression.
Sacked Ukrainian Defence Minister Calls for Wartime Election in Challenge to Zelenskyy
Mykhailo Fedorov, the former Ukrainian defence minister who was sacked by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy last month after a falling out with army commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, has released a video calling for wartime elections in Ukraine. Fedorov argued that 'democracy cannot be held hostage by Russia' and urged the creation of a legal mechanism to restore democratic processes despite the ongoing war. Ukraine has been under martial law since Russia's February 2022 invasion, suspending elections. Zelenskyy has remained in power without a vote, a situation that has become a Kremlin talking point, backed by US President Donald Trump. Fedorov, who was popular for modernizing Ukraine's military with drones and anti-corruption efforts, did not mention Zelenskyy by name or state whether he would run. His dismissal sparked protests, and he has refused other government posts, insisting he would only return as defence minister. The call comes as Ukraine intensifies drone strikes inside Russia, drawing a Russian threat against the UK over the use of British drones.
Sacked Ukrainian Defence Minister Calls For Wartime Election In Challenge To Zelenskyy
Mykhailo Fedorov, the former Ukrainian defence minister who was sacked by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy last month after a falling out with army commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, has released a video calling for wartime elections in Ukraine. Fedorov argued that 'democracy cannot be held hostage by Russia' and proposed a legal, safe mechanism to restore democratic process during the prolonged war. Ukraine has been under martial law since Russia's February 2022 invasion, suspending elections. Zelenskyy's extended tenure has become a Kremlin talking point, backed by US President Donald Trump. Fedorov, popular for modernizing warfare with drones and anti-corruption efforts, did not mention Zelenskyy by name or declare a candidacy. His replacement, Yevhenii Khmara, was nominated shortly before the video. The call comes as Ukraine intensifies drone strikes on Russian oil refineries and warehouses, prompting Moscow to threaten the UK over use of British drones.
Sacked Ukrainian Defence Minister Calls for Wartime Election in Challenge to Zelenskyy
Mykhailo Fedorov, the former Ukrainian defence minister who was sacked by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy last month after a falling out with army commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, has released a video calling for wartime elections. Fedorov argued that 'democracy cannot be held hostage by Russia' and urged the creation of a legal mechanism to restore democratic processes despite the ongoing war. Ukraine has been under martial law since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, suspending elections. Zelenskyy's extended tenure has become a talking point for the Kremlin and has been backed by US President Donald Trump. Fedorov, who was popular for modernizing Ukraine's military with drones and anti-corruption efforts, did not explicitly mention Zelenskyy or state whether he would run. His replacement, Yevhenii Khmara, was nominated shortly before the video. The call comes as Ukraine intensifies drone strikes on Russian oil refineries and warehouses, prompting Moscow to warn the UK over the use of British drones.
Ukraine's Zelenskyy faces call for wartime election from former defense chief
Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called for holding elections during wartime, directly challenging President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In a video statement, Fedorov argued that democracy cannot be held hostage by Russia and that Ukraine must find a legal mechanism to renew its democratic process despite the ongoing war. Fedorov was unexpectedly dismissed last month, sparking protests across Ukraine. His call comes as Zelenskyy nominated Yevhen Khmara as the new defense minister, closing the door on Fedorov's return. Ukrainian law currently prohibits elections during wartime. Zelenskyy has not yet responded to Fedorov's statement.
Sacked Ukraine Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov Urges Path to Elections Amid War
Ukraine's popular former Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, sacked in July 2026, called on August 18 for a move towards elections that have been suspended due to martial law imposed after Russia's 2022 invasion. In a YouTube video, Fedorov argued that 'democracy cannot be held hostage by Russia' and urged finding a 'legal, safe, and realistic mechanism' to restore democratic processes even during prolonged war. He acknowledged obstacles such as voting for soldiers, front-line residents, and millions abroad, but insisted complexity does not mean impossibility. Fedorov, who tried to reform a corruption-hit military, was dismissed in July, triggering weeks of protests against President Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy later replaced army chief Oleksandr Syrsky and appointed Yevgeniy Khmara as acting defence minister. Another protest in support of Fedorov was scheduled outside parliament on August 19.