Former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called for presidential elections during the ongoing war, citing a systemic crisis of governance. This marks the first time a major Ukrainian political figure has demanded elections since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, breaking a long-standing taboo. Fedorov, a popular leader and architect of the drone program, argues that democracy in Ukraine is in danger and that Russia should not be allowed to dictate when Ukrainians choose their next government.
Fedorov’s call comes as a direct challenge to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's authority and may test Ukrainian unity. Under the country's constitution, wartime elections are not permitted while martial law remains in effect. Fedorov contends that the current suspension of democratic processes is incompatible with Ukraine's war goals and that the nation must find a way to restore its democratic process despite the prolonged conflict.
The demand for elections follows weeks of nationwide demonstrations sparked by Fedorov's dismissal last month. However, the unrest appears to be ending after protest organizers rejected and criticized Fedorov's call for wartime polls. Meanwhile, Ukrainian lawmakers approved the appointment of Yevhenii Khmara as the new defense minister on Wednesday, a move by President Zelenskyy to defuse domestic tensions and formally close the door on Fedorov’s return to government.