Sacked Ukrainian defence minister calls for presidential election

What the report says

Former Ukrainian defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov has urged the country to consider elections during wartime, in a challenge that BBC World News says is being viewed as one of the strongest tests of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s authority since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022. In a video posted on YouTube, Fedorov argued that democracy should not be prevented by Russia and said Ukraine needs a lawful and workable way to restore a full democratic process even while the war continues.

BBC World News reports that Ukraine has been under martial law since the invasion, which has suspended elections. Fedorov, who was removed from his post as defence minister in late July, did not directly name Zelensky in the video. His dismissal followed months of tension and public protests, and the broadcaster says it is widely linked to disagreements with the army’s top commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, who was later replaced.

The article says Zelensky has not publicly responded to Fedorov’s remarks. It also notes that Fedorov, previously known for his work on digital transformation and wartime innovation, had been credited with pushing anti-corruption efforts, using data to assess frontline performance and expanding Ukraine’s drone and technology initiatives. After his removal, Zelensky appointed Yevyevny Khmara as acting defence minister and offered Fedorov other roles, which he said he would only accept if he returned to the defence ministry.

The development matters because it highlights growing debate inside Ukraine over wartime governance, corruption and how democratic institutions should function under martial law.