RUSSIA UKRAINE
Ukraine’s ousted defense minister calls for wartime elections
Ukraine’s fired defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov is urging President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and parliament to create a legal way to hold national elections during martial law, as corruption probes and leadership reshuffles hit Kyiv during the war.
Ukraine’s fired defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov is urging President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and parliament to create a legal way to hold national elections during martial law, as corruption probes and leadership reshuffles hit Kyiv during the war.
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What This is
- Ukraine’s ousted defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called for national elections even though the country is under martial law during Russia’s invasion.
- Fedorov says Ukraine should build a legal and safe way to vote during the war, arguing that democracy should not be “held hostage” by Russia.
- Ukrainian law currently blocks elections while martial law is in force, and Zelenskyy’s office did not immediately respond to Fedorov’s remarks in these reports.
- Ukrainian officials and experts say wartime voting would be hard to do safely and fairly because of attacks, blackouts, occupied areas, and the need to reach soldiers and displaced people.
- He warns the country faces a systemic governance crisis and says wartime corruption is hurting Ukraine’s war effort.
Why This Matters
- Holding elections during an active war forces a choice between democratic legitimacy and basic safety for voters.
- If many soldiers, displaced people, or occupied areas cannot vote, the winner could face lasting doubts at home.
- A contested election could be used by Moscow to argue Ukraine’s leaders lack a mandate.
- Corruption cases around top officials can weaken public trust and make foreign partners more cautious about money and weapons.