Sacked Ukrainian Defence Minister Calls for Presidential Election
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By Tabby Wilson and Paul Kirby, Europe digital editor
Published 19 August 2026, 02:31 BST
Updated 1 hour ago
Former Ukrainian defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called for wartime elections, marking a significant challenge to Volodymyr Zelensky’s presidency since Russia’s invasion began four and a half years ago.
"Democracy cannot be held hostage by Russia," said Fedorov, 35, in a video posted to YouTube on Tuesday, adding that Ukraine fights "precisely because we want to remain a free European state."
Since the war’s outset in 2022, Ukraine has been under martial law, grounding elections.
Fedorov, unexpectedly fired from his post as defence minister last month, did not directly mention Zelensky in the video. His dismissal sparked nationwide protests.
During his tenure, Fedorov, a popular minister, was credited with revitalizing the ministry, combating corruption, and leveraging data to improve frontline performance. His removal is believed to be linked to tensions with army commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi.
Hours before Fedorov’s video, Zelensky confirmed he had asked parliament to confirm Yevhenii Khmara as acting defence minister, with a vote scheduled for later on Wednesday.
Fedorov’s video focused on the need for a legal mechanism enabling Ukraine to resume democratic processes despite the war, offering no hint of his political ambitions.
His call has divided Ukrainian commentators, with some criticising it as impractical during wartime.
Zelensky’s five-year term ends in May 2024, but martial law prevents elections under the constitution.
When US President Donald Trump raised the issue of war avoiding elections last year, Zelensky responded that Ukraine was ready within 60-90 days if allies guaranteed security.
Fedorov argued that Ukraine faces a "systemic governance crisis" and is "afraid of change," citing corruption as a hindrance to the war effort.
