Kyiv (HRNW)-\u00a0Ukraine\u2019s ousted former defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called for presidential elections to be held despite the ongoing war with Russia, posing a significant political challenge to President Volodymyr Zelensky.<\/p>\n
In a video message, the 35-year-old former minister said democracy should not be held hostage by Russia and argued that Ukraine was fighting to remain a free and European country.<\/p>\n
Martial law has been in effect in Ukraine since Russia\u2019s full-scale invasion, preventing elections from being held. Zelensky\u2019s five-year presidential term expired in May 2024, but elections remain suspended under the current legal framework.<\/p>\n
Fedorov was removed as defense minister last month, a decision that triggered protests in parts of Ukraine, with some demonstrators calling for his reinstatement.<\/p>\n
Although Fedorov did not announce plans to contest any political office, he called for the creation of a legal, safe and practical mechanism to restore democratic elections. He also raised concerns over what he described as systemic problems and corruption within the government, arguing that appointments should be based on competence and performance rather than personal loyalty.<\/p>\n
Political observers have warned that conducting elections during the war would present major challenges, including Russian attacks, security risks and the participation of millions of displaced Ukrainians.<\/p>\n
President Zelensky has not yet directly responded to Fedorov\u2019s call.<\/p>\n
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