Sacked Ukrainian defence minister calls for presidential election
Former Ukrainian defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called for wartime elections, challenging President Zelensky's leadership amid ongoing martial law. The call comes as anti-corruption agencies conduct raids on government officials, signaling internal political instability.
Why it matters
This internal political friction in Ukraine could impact the country's unity and governance during its ongoing conflict with Russia.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Dan Johnson , Kyiv and Paul Kirby , Europe digital editor Reuters Ukraine's popular ex-defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called for wartime elections, in what is widely seen as the biggest challenge to Volodymyr Zelensky's presidency since Russia's full-scale invasion four and a half years ago.
"Democracy cannot be held hostage by Russia," said Fedorov, 35, in a video posted to YouTube on Tuesday, adding that Ukraine is fighting "precisely because we want to remain a free European state".
Since the war broke out in 2022 Ukraine has been under martial law, meaning elections are suspended.
Fedorov, who did not mention Zelensky by name in the video, was unexpectedly fired from his role as defence minister last month, just six months after his appointment.
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