Ukraine's Fired Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov Calls for Elections Despite War with Russia

Updated on: August 19, 2026 / 2:30 AM EDT / CBS/AFP

Ukraine's Fired Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov Calls for Elections Despite War with Russia

TL;DR

  • Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov is advocating for elections to be held during the war with Russia.
  • This stance challenges President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as martial law currently prohibits elections.
  • Fedorov emphasized that democracy should not be held hostage by the conflict and called for a mechanism to enable elections.
  • His call comes after his dismissal in July, which led to public protests.
  • Fedorov acknowledged the logistical challenges of holding elections during wartime but stated it is not impossible.