Ex-Ukraine Defence Minister Fedorov calls for path to elections amid war

Published Aug 19, 02:32 AM UTC

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.