Former Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called for Ukraine to consider holding a presidential election while the country remains at war with Russia. His comments mark a significant challenge to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and have renewed debate over democracy, political accountability and governance during wartime.
Fedorov made the appeal in a video address on August 18, arguing that Ukraine should develop a legal and secure mechanism to restore the full democratic process despite the continuing conflict.
Fedorov Calls for Elections During Wartime
Fedorov said the war should not indefinitely prevent Ukrainians from choosing their political leadership. He argued that democratic institutions must continue functioning even under extraordinary circumstances and that Russia should not effectively determine when Ukraine is able to hold elections.
Ukraine has been under martial law since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Under the country’s current legal framework, presidential, parliamentary and local elections cannot be held while martial law remains in effect.
President Zelenskyy’s five-year term, which began after his 2019 election, formally ended in May 2024. However, Ukraine’s constitutional system allows the president to continue exercising his powers until a successor is elected and takes office.
Fedorov said the government should work toward a practical framework that could make elections possible while addressing security concerns and the difficulties created by the war.
Political Tensions Grow After Fedorov’s Dismissal
The former defence minister’s comments come weeks after he was removed from his position in July. Fedorov had served as defence minister for only about six months and had been associated with efforts to modernize Ukraine’s military capabilities and strengthen defence procurement reforms.
His dismissal triggered public demonstrations in Kyiv, with supporters questioning the decision and calling for greater accountability within the government. The political dispute also coincided with tensions involving Ukraine’s military leadership.
Fedorov has criticized what he describes as a broader governance problem, including concerns about transparency, corruption and appointments that he believes place political loyalty ahead of professional expertise.
He has not formally announced a presidential campaign. However, his growing public profile has fueled speculation about his political future.
Elections Face Major Security and Logistical Challenges
Holding a nationwide election during an active war would present substantial practical difficulties. Millions of Ukrainians have been displaced internally or are living abroad, while fighting continues in parts of the country.
Any wartime election would therefore require arrangements for soldiers, citizens outside Ukraine and people living in areas affected by the conflict. Authorities would also need to establish strong security measures to protect voters, election workers and polling locations.
Fedorov’s proposal has added another layer to Ukraine’s increasingly intense political debate. While he argues that democratic renewal should not be postponed indefinitely, the government and other political figures continue to face the difficult question of how elections could be conducted safely and legally while the war continues.
The debate is likely to remain closely connected to the future of martial law, Ukraine’s security situation and the country’s wider efforts to maintain political stability during the conflict.
