Sacked Ukraine Defence Minister urges path to elections
Former Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called for the restoration of democratic elections despite the ongoing Russian invasion. He argues that Ukraine must find a legal mechanism to hold a vote to ensure the country remains a free European state.
Why it matters
The call for elections during wartime challenges the current suspension of democratic processes under martial law and reflects internal political tensions within the Ukrainian government.
Ukraine's popular ex-Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, sacked last month, on Tuesday (August 18, 2026) called for a move towards elections that have been put off because of the Russian invasion .
Ukraine imposed martial law when Russian forces swept over the border in February 2022, and military rule prohibits holding elections.
"Democracy cannot be held hostage by Russia," Mr. Fedorov said in a video posted to YouTube.
We are fighting precisely because we want to remain a free European state."
Mr. Fedorov said Ukraine must find a "legal, safe, and realistic mechanism that will allow Ukraine to restore a full democratic process even amidst a prolonged war".
The ex-Defence Minister acknowledged the obstacles to holding a vote during the war, including how to ensure soldiers, people living near the front line and millions of Ukrainians abroad can cast ballots.
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