Ukraine's former defense minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, has called for elections amid a "systemic crisis of governance," stating that President Volodymyr Zelensky has "questions to answer" regarding corruption allegations swirling around his administration. Fedorov, who was removed from his post last month, made the remarks in a video and subsequent interview following the search of a deputy chief of staff's home as part of a money laundering investigation.
The investigation by Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau reportedly focuses on allegations of a scheme to misappropriate over £2.2 million to pay bail for a former energy minister accused of money laundering. Authorities searched the home of Iryna Mudra, a deputy chief of staff, who was subsequently dismissed by Zelensky without stated reason. The probe is part of a broader investigation into lawmakers and bankers that began the day Fedorov released his video calling for elections.
Fedorov, who led Ukraine's drone warfare efforts, stated that the country "must not let Putin decide when Ukrainians can choose their government." He emphasized that holding elections during wartime, which is prohibited by Ukraine's constitution under martial law, should not be feared, calling it a "moral right" and essential to democracy. He asserted that if he cannot openly share his ideas, "then what are we fighting for?"
President Zelensky, however, has described holding elections during the ongoing conflict as a "huge risk" and a "tsunami for the country that will split Ukraine." His office previously stated that it was "strange" for Fedorov to raise these concerns now, given his long tenure in government since 2019.
Fedorov clarified that he has no evidence of Zelensky's personal corruption and has never been asked to act against his integrity. He plans to visit the United States soon to seek support and is reportedly hoping to meet with Elon Musk to discuss the expansion of Starlink satellite communications technology into Russian airspace.
Ukraine has faced numerous corruption allegations since Russia's invasion. These include accusations of funds meant for energy infrastructure being misappropriated and a previous shake-up of Zelensky's staff following allegations against his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, which his lawyers deemed baseless. Fedorov's dismissal as defense minister reportedly stemmed from disagreements with the head of the armed forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi. Supporters of Fedorov have held protests in Kyiv advocating for his reinstatement.