Event
Ukraine’s ousted defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called for elections to be held despite the ongoing war with Russia, stating the country is facing a crisis of governance. His address was posted on YouTube. Ukrainian law currently prohibits elections while martial law, imposed on 24 February 2022 following the Russian invasion, remains in effect. Fedorov argued that while holding elections during wartime is complex, it is not impossible.
2 published stories · security · source reliability 33%
The former defence minister argues that while holding elections during the conflict with Russia is complex, it is not impossible, citing a current crisis of governance in Kyiv.
Background
Former Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who was dismissed from his post last month, has publicly called for a transition towards holding elections in Ukraine. Fedorov argued that democracy should not be held hostage by Russia and urged the establishment of a legal mechanism to restore democratic processes. This appeal challenges President Volodymyr Zelensky’s continued leadership during the ongoing conflict. Voting has been suspended since the Russian invasion began in February 2022, when martial law was imposed, as military rule currently prohibits the holding of elections.
Former Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who was dismissed from his post last month, has publicly called for a transition towards holding elections in Ukraine. Fedorov argued that democracy should not be held hostage by Russia and urged the establishment of a legal mec
Fact cards
Key entities: Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine, Russia.
Why are elections not currently being held in Ukraine? Elections have been suspended since February 2022 due to martial law imposed following the Russian invasion, which prohibits voting during military rule. Who is Mykhailo Fedorov? He is the former Defence Minister of Ukraine w
France 24 International | https://www.france24.com/en/video/20260819-ukraine-s-ousted-minister-mykhailo-fedorov-calls-for-wartime-elections | published 2026-08-19T12:23:43.000Z | primary source | France 24 International | https://www.france24.com/en/video/20260819-sacked-ukraine-
February 2022: Russian invasion of Ukraine begins; martial law is imposed, suspending all elections. Last month: Mykhailo Fedorov is dismissed from his position as Defence Minister. Tuesday (2026-08-18): Fedorov posts a video to YouTube calling for a transition towards elections
Timeline
Russian invasion of Ukraine begins; martial law is imposed, suspending all elections.
Mykhailo Fedorov is dismissed from his position as Defence Minister.
Fedorov posts a video to YouTube calling for a transition towards elections and a legal mechanism to restore democracy.
Russia warns the UK over reports of British-made drones being used by Ukraine to strike targets on Russian territory.
France 24 reports on Fedorov’s call for elections and his previous dismissal.
FAQ
Elections have been suspended since February 2022 due to martial law imposed following the Russian invasion, which prohibits voting during military rule.
He is the former Defence Minister of Ukraine who was dismissed from his position last month.
He argues that democracy should not be held hostage by Russia and insists on establishing a legal mechanism to restore democratic processes.
No, the specific timeline for elections remains undefined, and no concrete legislative proposal has been detailed.
Separately, Russia has warned the UK over the supply of drones to Ukraine, though this is distinct from the domestic political call for elections.