Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called for holding elections during the war, just hours after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy officially nominated Yevhen Khmara as his permanent successor at the Ministry of Defense, effectively closing off Fedorov's path back to the government.
In a video message titled "Mykhailo Fedorov's Address to the People of Ukraine," published a month after his resignation triggered nationwide protests, Fedorov stated that Ukraine must find a way to restore elections despite the ongoing war against Russia's full-scale invasion.
"We must not let Putin decide when Ukrainians can choose their government," he said, adding that democracy is part of Ukraine's struggle.
The speech followed Zelenskyy's nomination of Yevhen Khmara, acting defense minister and former head of the SBU, for the permanent post. This move put an end to uncertainty surrounding Fedorov's future, as he had previously turned down other offered positions, insisting on returning to the Ministry of Defense.
Ukraine has not held nationwide elections since February 2022 due to martial law and associated security and logistical challenges. Fedorov did not specify a timeline, but stated that the country must develop a voting mechanism so citizens can evaluate the government's performance, emphasizing the importance of political accountability and the fight against corruption.
