Ukraine’s dismissed defence minister calls for wartime presidential election

What happened

The Guardian Ukraine reports that Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s recently dismissed defence minister, has publicly called for a wartime presidential election in a direct challenge to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s leadership. Fedorov, sacked last month amid internal disputes, argued that democracy should not be suspended despite the ongoing conflict with Russia, emphasizing the need for a functioning state and transparent governance.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. Fedorov’s video address cited the dysfunction of the current government and concerns about corruption and appointments based on loyalty rather than merit. He insisted Ukraine could simultaneously hold elections and continue fighting the war, underscoring the importance of maintaining democratic legitimacy.

Since martial law was imposed at the start of the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022, elections have been suspended. Zelenskyy’s official term ended in May 2024, but Ukrainian authorities and society have so far shown little appetite for elections while hostilities continue. Political analyst Artem Bronzhukov noted the practical difficulties of holding a vote amid ongoing bombings and security risks.

Known from the source

• Mykhailo Fedorov was Ukraine’s defence minister until his dismissal last month.
• Fedorov called publicly for a wartime presidential election in a video posted online.
• Elections have been suspended in Ukraine since martial law was imposed at the start of the 2022 Russian invasion.
• Zelenskyy’s presidential term officially ended in May 2024 but no election has been held.
• Fedorov’s dismissal prompted protests in Kyiv that contributed to the removal of Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi.

What remains unclear

Fedorov’s dismissal triggered protests in Kyiv, resulting in the ousting of military commander Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi, though Fedorov was not reinstated. President Zelenskyy has since nominated Yevhen Khmara as permanent defence minister. Polls cited in the source suggest Fedorov could place third in a hypothetical presidential run, behind Zelenskyy and former military leader Valerii Zaluzhnyi, with Zelenskyy potentially losing in a runoff to both challengers.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Verification of polling figures and methodology cited from Socis Centre for Social Research. Confirmation of Zelenskyy’s official term status and legal arrangements regarding elections under martial law. Verification of the nomination and parliamentary process for Yevhen Khmara as defence minister.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: The Guardian Ukraine. Open the source.