Fedorov decries corruption in Defense Ministry, doubles down on calls for elections
Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has publicly criticized systemic corruption within the Defense Ministry and is advocating for the resumption of national elections. His comments come amid ongoing political instability and public frustration regarding government transparency during the war.
Why it matters
The call for elections during wartime is a highly sensitive political issue in Ukraine, and allegations of corruption within the defense sector could impact international military aid and domestic morale.
Prefer on Google by Dmytro Basmat Mykhailo Fedorov, then-Defense Minister, in an unnamed location, on June 17, 2026. (Roman Pashkovskiy / Mykhailo Fedorov’s team) Former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov detailed what he described as widespread corruption within Ukraine's Defense Ministry in a wide-ranging interview with Channel 24 released Aug. 22, while reiterating his call for Ukraine to prepare for elections even as war continues.
Fedorov's appeal came after weeks of political turmoil that had shaken public confidence in President Volodymyr Zelensky's governance, including corruption scandals, a chaotic government reshuffle, and nationwide protests over Fedorov's dismissal as defense minister.
"There are many people who have built various schemes around their own interests, and they are essentially slowing down the adoption of the right decisions," Fedorov said . "I experienced this at the Defense Ministry."
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