Ousted Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov Demands Wartime Elections in Major Challenge to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Former Ukraine Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called for wartime elections in what marks the largest internal challenge to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022. In a video address published on YouTube on Tuesday, Fedorov argued that Ukraine's democracy must not be held hostage by Russia, asserting the need for a legal, safe, and realistic mechanism to restart the democratic process during a prolonged conflict.

While Ukrainian law prohibits holding elections under martial law, the 35-year-old Fedorov's push represents the first major challenge by a prominent political figure. Fedorov, a former ally of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, was unexpectedly dismissed from the Defence Ministry in July after serving for six months, a decision that triggered widespread protests across the country. During his brief tenure, he earned a reputation as a reformer who challenged the military establishment.

His removal followed reported tensions with armed forces commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskii. In his address, Fedorov cited a systemic crisis of governance, pointing to institutions resistant to change and corruption undermining the war effort, though he avoided mentioning President Volodymyr Zelenskyy directly.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's term officially concluded in May 2024, with presidential elections postponed due to martial law. Following the dismissal, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed Yevhenii Khmara as acting defence minister. Meanwhile, demonstrations supporting Fedorov have persisted in Kyiv as public scrutiny intensifies.