Mykhailo Fedorov, a former Ukrainian defense minister and perceived rival to President Volodymyr Zelensky, has stated that Zelensky has "questions to answer" regarding corruption within his government. Fedorov's remarks follow recent anti-corruption investigations and a call for elections made by the former minister.
Authorities recently searched the home of Iryna Mudra, one of Zelensky's deputy chiefs of staff, as part of a money laundering investigation. Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (Nabu) is reportedly examining allegations of a scheme to misappropriate approximately £2.2 million intended for bail for a former energy minister accused of money laundering. President Zelensky subsequently dismissed Mudra on Wednesday without providing a reason.
Fedorov, who was dismissed by Zelensky last month after reportedly clashing with the head of Ukraine's armed forces, posted a video on Tuesday calling for elections, citing a "systemic crisis of governance." He argued that Ukraine "must not let Putin decide when Ukrainians can choose their government." In a BBC interview, Fedorov suggested that the ongoing investigations raise concerns about the president's awareness of potential corruption among his associates, stating, "It's his responsibility to tell us all whether he was aware of all that or not."
Zelensky, however, has warned that holding elections during wartime would be "a huge risk" and would "split Ukraine." His office previously commented that Fedorov's current criticisms are unusual, given his past involvement in governments since 2019. Fedorov himself stated he has no evidence of Zelensky's personal corruption and has not been asked to act against the law or his integrity.
The Ukrainian constitution prohibits elections while the country is under martial law, a measure enacted since Russia's invasion in 2022. Despite this, Fedorov asserted his "moral right" to initiate a discussion about elections, emphasizing that "We should not be afraid of discussing it. That's what democracy is all about."
Fedorov, formerly the digital transformation minister, is credited with developing Ukraine's "army of drones," which has been instrumental in long-range strikes against Russian military targets. He plans to visit the United States soon, hoping to secure continued American support and potentially meet with figures like Elon Musk to discuss the expansion of Starlink technology.
Ukraine has faced persistent corruption allegations as the conflict with Russia continues. Previously, Zelensky replaced his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, following money laundering accusations that his lawyers deemed baseless. Other officials have been accused of misappropriating funds designated for energy infrastructure. The dismissal of Zelensky's defense minister, Oleksandr Syrskyi, also followed reported disagreements with military leadership.