Former Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called for a presidential election, days after being dismissed from his post, arguing that Ukrainians should be given the opportunity to choose the country’s leadership despite the ongoing war.
In a public statement, Fedorov said the government should begin preparations for a national vote when conditions allow, emphasizing the importance of democratic legitimacy during a period of prolonged conflict.
His remarks come after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reshuffled his cabinet and removed Fedorov as defence minister as part of broader changes within the government.
Ukraine has not held presidential elections since the expiration of Zelenskyy’s mandate because the country’s constitution and martial law provisions prevent nationwide elections while the country remains under martial law during wartime.
Fedorov’s comments have added to an ongoing debate over the timing of future elections, with supporters arguing that democratic processes should resume as soon as security conditions permit, while others maintain that holding a nationwide vote during active hostilities would be impractical and could compromise voter participation and election integrity.
The Ukrainian government has consistently maintained that elections cannot be conducted until martial law is lifted and conditions allow for a free, fair and secure vote across the country.
Political analysts say Fedorov’s intervention is likely to fuel further discussion about Ukraine’s political future as the war with Russia continues, though no official timeline for a presidential election has been announced.
