Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine's former defense minister, has called for elections during wartime, marking the most significant internal challenge to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy since Russia launched its full-scale military campaign in 2022.
In a striking speech posted on YouTube on Tuesday, Fedorov stressed that Ukraine's democracy “cannot be held hostage by Russia.” He argued the country must find “a legal, safe, and practical mechanism” to restore the full democratic process “even under prolonged wartime conditions.”
Ukrainian law currently bans elections during wartime, and no major political figure had publicly opposed this since the conflict erupted in 2022.
Fedorov, 35, was a long-time ally of President Zelenskyy before being unexpectedly dismissed as defense minister in July, just six months after his appointment. The dismissal sparked protests across the country.
During his brief tenure, Fedorov built a reputation as a reformer willing to publicly challenge military leadership. That profile fueled speculation he could become a genuine political rival to Zelenskyy.
His removal was reportedly driven by tensions with Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskii, who was also replaced weeks later following sustained protests calling for Fedorov's reinstatement.
In the video, Fedorov argued that Ukraine faces a “systemic governance crisis,” describing institutions that “fear change” and pointing to corruption as a factor undermining the country's war effort. He did not directly name President Zelenskyy in the speech.
This is the first time a major Ukrainian political figure has called for elections since Russia's full-scale invasion. The presidential office has not yet issued an official response to Fedorov's remarks.
Zelenskyy's term expired in May 2024, but the presidential election was postponed due to martial law. Since then, Zelenskyy has appointed Yevhenii Khmara, a professional intelligence official with a low public profile, as acting defense minister.
According to sources, Fedorov was offered other government positions, including Deputy Prime Minister for military innovation, but he stated he would only return if he could keep the defense minister post.
Hours before Fedorov's address, President Zelenskyy confirmed he had asked parliament to approve Khmara on Wednesday. Protests supporting Fedorov have continued over the past month, though reduced from their initial scale, still regularly drawing several thousand participants in Kyiv.
