Former Ukrainian Defense Minister calls for national elections during war

On August 19, 2026, Mykhailo Fedorov, the 35-year-old former Minister of Defense of Ukraine, publicly demanded the holding of national elections despite the ongoing conflict with Russia. In a video message released on social media, Fedorov argued that democracy cannot be held hostage by the war and stated that a legal mechanism must be found to restore the democratic process, citing concerns over a systemic governance crisis and a lack of transparency in state decision-making.

Fedorov was appointed to the defense ministry in January 2026 to lead military reforms but was unexpectedly dismissed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in July 2026. While he did not explicitly name the president in his address, his statements represent a significant political challenge to the current administration. Ukrainian law currently prohibits the holding of elections under martial law. This demand coincides with reports of declining approval ratings for President Zelenskyy, highlighting growing internal tensions regarding the nation's political trajectory and leadership accountability.