Former Ukrainian defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called for Ukraine wartime elections, in what is being viewed as a major challenge to President Volodymyr Zelensky’s leadership since Russia launched its full-scale invasion.
In a video published on YouTube, Fedorov, 35, argued that Ukraine’s democratic system should not be held back indefinitely because of the war.
“Democracy cannot be held hostage by Russia,” Fedorov said, adding that Ukraine was fighting because it wanted to remain “a free European state”.
Ukraine has been under martial law since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022, meaning national elections have been suspended.
Ukraine wartime elections spark political debate
Fedorov did not directly mention Zelensky in his video, but his comments represent a significant political challenge to the president.
The former defence minister was unexpectedly removed from his position last month, only six months after being appointed. His dismissal prompted protests across Ukraine, while tensions surrounding his removal also involved army commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.
Syrskyi was replaced days later as pressure mounted on the government.
Fedorov had been widely praised during his time as defence minister for efforts to modernise the ministry, strengthen anti-corruption measures and use data to improve military performance.
The government offered him other positions, including deputy prime minister responsible for military innovation, but Fedorov said he would only return to the defence ministry.
Zelensky has not publicly responded to Fedorov’s latest call for elections.
Fedorov urges return to democratic process
Fedorov said Ukraine needed a “legal, safe, and realistic mechanism” for restoring a full democratic process even if the war continued for an extended period.
He did not reveal whether he intended to seek political office himself.
His proposal has nevertheless drawn criticism from some Ukrainian commentators, including people who had previously supported his return as defence minister.
One critic argued that even some of Zelensky’s strongest opponents understood that holding elections while the war was continuing would be extremely difficult.
Zelensky’s five-year presidential term formally ended in May 2024. However, Ukraine’s constitution prevents elections from being held while martial law remains in force.
When US President Donald Trump previously accused Kyiv of using the war to avoid elections, Zelensky said Ukraine was prepared to hold a vote within 60 to 90 days if its international partners could provide adequate security guarantees.
Security concerns complicate any vote
Organising Ukraine wartime elections would present major logistical and security challenges.
The country continues to face Russian missile and drone attacks, while millions of Ukrainians have been displaced by the conflict.
There are also concerns about how voting could safely take place in areas affected by fighting and how displaced citizens and military personnel would participate.
Fedorov argued that Ukraine was facing a “systemic crisis of governance” and said the country was “scared of change”. He also highlighted corruption as one of the problems affecting Ukraine’s ability to fight the war.
Fedorov’s role in Ukraine’s military technology Ukraine wartime elections
Before becoming defence minister, Fedorov served as minister of digital transformation and became known for promoting technology as a tool in Ukraine’s war effort.
In the early stages of Russia’s invasion, he established a volunteer “IT Army of Ukraine” that conducted cyber operations targeting Russian entities.
He later helped develop the Army of Drones fundraising campaign and introduced technology-driven approaches to military operations, including a system that rewarded Ukrainian units for successful strikes against Russian targets.
As defence minister, he continued focusing on drones, advanced military technology and procurement.
He also appealed to SpaceX founder Elon Musk over Russia’s use of Starlink satellite communications in drone operations.
Following his dismissal, Fedorov said he intended to continue supporting Ukraine’s war effort through innovation, speed and organisational strength.
War intensifies as political tensions grow Ukraine wartime elections
Fedorov’s call comes as Ukraine has intensified its long-range attacks against targets inside Russia.
Ukrainian forces have launched hundreds of drones at Russian oil facilities and logistics infrastructure, including warehouses belonging to major online retailer Wildberries.
Russian authorities described a recent attack on Moscow as one of the most significant drone assaults in recent memory after around 600 drones were reportedly directed towards the capital region.
Local officials said nine people were killed and 23 injured during the latest Ukrainian strikes across Russia, including a child.
Russian forces have also continued attacks against Ukraine. Seventeen people were reported killed during the latest Russian strikes early Tuesday.
The political debate over elections is therefore unfolding alongside an intensifying war, leaving Ukraine facing the difficult question of how to preserve democratic institutions while maintaining national security under continued Russian attack.
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Image: Former Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov speaking publicly.
Image Alt Attribute: Ukraine wartime elections call by Mykhailo Fedorov
Suggested Video: Mykhailo Fedorov’s statement calling for a mechanism to restore elections during the war.