Key facts
- Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov called for wartime elections, citing corruption and a systemic crisis of governance.
- Fedorov stated that democracy cannot be held hostage by Russia and that Ukraine must find a way to hold elections despite the ongoing invasion.
- He emphasized the need for a legal, safe, and realistic mechanism to ensure voting rights for military personnel, Ukrainians abroad, and those in front-line regions.
- Ukrainian lawmakers largely rejected the proposal, citing constitutional prohibitions under martial law and significant security and logistical challenges.
- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's administration has faced corruption scandals and questions over recent personnel decisions.
Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called for the country to find a way to hold elections despite the ongoing Russian invasion, citing wartime corruption and a systemic crisis of governance. Fedorov, who was dismissed from his ministerial post in July, stated that democracy should not be held hostage by Russia and that a legal, safe, and realistic mechanism is needed to restore a full-fledged democratic process.
His remarks have met with significant opposition from Ukrainian lawmakers who point to constitutional prohibitions under martial law, which is in effect due to the invasion. They also highlighted severe security and logistical challenges in conducting elections amidst continued Russian attacks. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who has faced corruption scandals and questions over recent personnel changes, is expected to have acting Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara confirmed in his role.
Fedorov's call for elections comes as Ukraine grapples with a shortage of air-defense missiles and faces continued Russian attacks. The International Atomic Energy Agency reported a drone strike on a bus stop at the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant, which killed one person and injured 15, with Russia blaming Ukraine for the incident.