- Mykhailo Fedorov has called for wartime elections, marking a significant challenge to Volodymyr Zelensky's presidency amid ongoing conflict with Russia.
- In a YouTube video, Fedorov stated, "Democracy cannot be held hostage by Russia", emphasizing that Ukraine is fighting to remain a free European state.
- President Zelenskyy has nominated Yevhen Khmara as his permanent successor, effectively closing the door on Fedorov's potential return to government.
- Fedorov argued that democracy should not be postponed, stating, "Democracy is not a peacetime luxury" and is part of what Ukraine is fighting for.
- He emphasized the need for a legal mechanism to hold elections during the war, allowing Ukrainians to assess the performance of their leaders.
Mykhailo Fedorov, the former Ukrainian defense minister, has called for wartime elections, marking a significant challenge to President Volodymyr Zelensky. In a YouTube video, Fedorov stated, "Democracy cannot be held hostage by Russia", emphasizing the need for a "legal, safe, and realistic mechanism" to restore democratic processes during the ongoing war.124
Since the onset of the conflict in 2022, Ukraine has been under martial law, which has suspended elections. Fedorov highlighted a "systemic crisis of governance" and pointed to corruption as detrimental to Ukraine's war efforts. He argued that "power must mean responsibility", insisting that officials should be accountable for their actions.
Fedorov's call comes shortly after Zelensky nominated Yevhen Khmara as his permanent successor, effectively sidelining Fedorov's political ambitions. He did not propose an immediate vote but stressed that democracy should not be postponed until the war concludes. "We must not let Putin decide when Ukrainians can choose their government," he asserted, reinforcing the idea that democracy is part of what Ukraine is fighting for today.3
Fedorov concluded by stating, "People do not demand that the state never make mistakes, but they have a right to the truth", underscoring the importance of transparency in governance.
“Fedorov emphasized the need for a 'legal, safe, and realistic mechanism' to hold elections during the ongoing conflict, arguing that democracy is essential even in wartime. He criticized the current governance as facing a 'systemic crisis' and highlighted corruption as detrimental to Ukraine's war efforts.”
BBC
euronews.com
