Ukraine's recently dismissed Defense Minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, has called for elections to be held during wartime, stating that the nation is facing a "crisis of governance." The demand represents the most significant internal challenge to President Volodymyr Zelensky since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. Ukrainian law currently prohibits elections while martial law is in effect.
Fedorov, who served as the digitalization minister for six years before his appointment to the defense post in January, was fired in July. His dismissal came just six months after taking the role, with President Zelensky citing an inability to work with Oleksandr Syrskyi, the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. Following Fedorov's firing, public pressure led to Syrskyi's dismissal shortly after. Protests supporting Fedorov have continued in Kyiv, drawing thousands of attendees.
In a video address posted on Tuesday, Fedorov asserted, "Democracy cannot be held hostage by Russia." He emphasized the need to "find a legal, safe and realistic mechanism that will allow Ukraine to renew its full democratic process even in the conditions of a long war." He also criticized official corruption, which he believes hinders Ukraine's war effort, and suggested that his reforms to the Defense Ministry's procurement processes may have contributed to his dismissal.
Recent polling indicates that Fedorov could potentially defeat Zelensky in a runoff election. Fedorov's remarks followed President Zelensky's confirmation that he had asked parliament to confirm Yevhenii Khmara as the new Defense Minister.
Fedorov, once the youngest minister in Ukraine's history, played a key role in adopting drone warfare tactics, which have significantly impacted combat operations. His tenure at the Defense Ministry saw him advocate for a data-driven approach and a strategy to defeat Russia through attrition and technological superiority.
In parallel, Ukraine has intensified its long-range drone and missile attacks against Russia, targeting military industries and energy facilities. These strikes aim to bring the war home to the Russian public and force Russia to stretch its air defenses. The 413th 'Raid' Unmanned Systems Regiment, involved in these deep-strike missions, has targeted sites including a logistics center near Moscow and the Wildberries e-commerce depot. The regiment's commander stated that such actions are necessary for Ukraine to achieve a "stable and long period of peace."