Ukraine War Sees First Major Call for Elections During Martial Law
Ousted Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called for elections to take place during the Ukraine war, marking the first such demand by a major political figure since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022. [4] The move comes amid ongoing martial law and places fresh pressure on the government as the conflict continues. [1]
Fedorov's Call for Wartime Elections
In a YouTube address, Mykhailo Fedorov argued that democracy in Ukraine cannot be held hostage by Russia and that the country must find a legal, safe and realistic mechanism to restart its full democratic process even in the conditions of a long war. [2] [4] [5] He described the situation as complex yet insisted that complexity does not mean impossibility, noting that Ukraine has repeatedly done what was thought impossible before. [2] Fedorov highlighted a systemic crisis of governance in which institutions remain scared of change and corruption continues to undermine the war effort, though he did not name President Volodymyr Zelenskyy directly. [4] The address positioned the need for elections as essential to prevent the democratic process from becoming a casualty of Russia’s war. [5]
Legal and Historical Context
Ukrainian law prohibits elections while the country remains under martial law, which was imposed on February 24, 2022, the day the Russian invasion began. [2] [4] Fedorov’s public demand stands as the first such call by a major Ukrainian political figure since the full-scale invasion launched in 2022. [4] The prohibition has kept the country from holding votes despite the passage of time and the continuation of the Ukraine war. [2]
Ousted Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov speaks in a YouTube address calling for wartime elections. — Source: france24
Fedorov's Dismissal and Political Fallout
The 35-year-old Fedorov served as a longtime ally of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy until his unexpected firing from the Defence Ministry in July. [4] His dismissal sparked protests across the country and followed tensions with armed forces commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskii, who was himself replaced weeks later after sustained public pressure and demonstrations calling for Fedorov’s reinstatement. [4] During his brief tenure, Fedorov built a reputation as a reformer willing to publicly challenge the military establishment, a profile that has since fuelled speculation over whether he could emerge as a genuine political rival to Zelenskyy. [4] Fedorov was reportedly offered other roles in government, including deputy prime minister for military innovation, but has said he would only return as defence minister. [4]
Zelenskyy's Response and Current Government
Zelenskyy’s office has yet to issue a statement on Fedorov’s latest remarks. [4] The president has installed Yevhenii Khmara, a career intelligence official with a low public profile, as acting defence minister and confirmed he had asked parliament to confirm Khmara in office. [4] Zelenskyy’s own presidential term ended in May 2024, yet the country has postponed its presidential election due to continuing martial law. [4]
Ousted Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov speaks during a YouTube address calling for wartime elections. — Source: aljazeera
Ongoing Protests and Public Reaction
Protests in support of Fedorov have continued for the past month, losing some of their early momentum but still regularly drawing a couple thousand attendees in Kyiv. [4] Demonstrations first erupted after his July dismissal and have persisted even as the initial intensity has eased. [4] Fedorov used his video address to point to the broader crisis of governance without directly referencing the president, focusing instead on institutions reluctant to adapt amid the ongoing conflict. [4]
Speculation Over Potential Political Rivalry
Fedorov’s profile as a reformer who challenged the military establishment during his short time in office has prompted discussion about his longer-term political prospects. [4] Observers note that his public stance on wartime elections adds another layer to questions about whether he might position himself as an alternative voice within Ukrainian politics. [4] His insistence on returning only as defence minister rather than accepting other offered posts underscores his continued focus on that specific role amid the Ukraine war. [4]
What to watch next: Zelenskyy’s office has not yet responded to the call for elections, while protests supporting Fedorov continue in Kyiv and parliament considers confirmation of the acting defence minister.
