Ousted Ukrainian Defence Minister Calls for Wartime Elections Amid Governance Crisis
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.
Ukraine’s ousted defence minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, has issued a call for general elections to be held despite the ongoing war with Russia, asserting that the nation is currently facing a significant crisis of governance. The former minister posted his address on YouTube, urging the implementation of a legal mechanism to restore democratic processes while the country remains under martial law.
Under current Ukrainian legislation, elections are prohibited while martial law is in effect. This legal framework was established on 24 February 2022, coinciding with the commencement of the Russian invasion. Fedorov acknowledged the difficulties associated with voting during an active conflict but maintained that the logistical challenges do not render the process unfeasible.
"This is complex," Fedorov stated in his address, arguing that "complexity does not mean impossibility." He pointed to Ukraine’s historical resilience, noting that the country has repeatedly achieved outcomes that the international community had previously deemed impossible, thereby suggesting that wartime elections are within the realm of possibility.
Fedorov’s intervention follows his dismissal from the defence ministry last month, a move that occurred six months after his initial appointment. Reports indicate that his removal was attributed to tensions with army commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. Despite being offered alternative government positions following his departure, Fedorov has reportedly maintained his stance on the necessity of electoral reform.
The call for elections arrives amidst heightened scrutiny of the current administration. Anti-graft agencies have recently uncovered a money laundering group linked to a presidential official, presenting a fresh challenge for President Volodymyr Zelensky. Fedorov’s assertion that democracy must not be held hostage by Russia underscores the growing political pressure regarding the timing of democratic transitions during the conflict.
