Ukraine’s ousted Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov called for wartime elections in a bombshell address on Tuesday, arguing the nation faced a crisis of governance, in the biggest internal challenge to President Volodymyr Zelensky since Russia’s invasion.
Fedorov’s call, delivered in a video address posted on YouTube, is the first such demand by a major Ukrainian political figure since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022. Ukrainian law prohibits holding elections during wartime.
“Democracy cannot be held hostage by Russia,” Fedorov said. “We must find a legal, safe and realistic mechanism that will allow Ukraine to renew its full democratic process even in the conditions of a long war.”
The 35-year-old Fedorov was a longtime ally of Zelensky until his unexpected firing from the Defense Ministry in July, just six months after he had been appointed, vowing sweeping reforms.
Also, how do you make sure none of the candidates are secretly collaborating with Russia?
Democracy is Russian propaganda
Let’s all just pretend hybrid warfare isn’t a thing suddenly, sure. Great point
Let’s pretend everyone disagreeing with Zelensky is a Russian shill great point
I’m trying to give Russia some credit here, they’ve always been better at spygames than westerners. Seems like the only reason not to give them their flowers on that is to downplay the risk that they’ll succeed. I’m all for elections and letting Zelensky go, but it has to be done perfectly or a lot of people’s lives get completely ruined.
And Zelensky isn’t ruining a lot of people’s lives by throwing them into the meatgrinder?
Interesting point about the only side that is emphasizing unmanned weapons and avoiding unnecessary casualties. Are you noticing how biased you sound right now?