# Calls for Wartime Elections Erupt in Ukraine as Ex Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov Speaks Out

> Former Ukrainian defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov has advocated for restoring democratic elections despite the ongoing war, presenting a notable political challenge to Volodymyr Zelensky.

**Type:** article · **Category:** Europe · **Published:** 2026-08-19 · **Source:** TrendKia
**Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/europe/ukraine-men-yuddha-ke-bicha-chunava-karane-ki-uthi-manga-purva-raksha-mntri-mykhailo-fedorov-ne-uthaye-savala-18309 · **Language:** English
**Tags:** Ukraine War, Mykhailo Fedorov, Volodymyr Zelensky, Russia Ukraine Conflict, Drone Attacks, Ukraine Elections, World News

Former Ukrainian defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called for wartime elections, posing what many observe as a significant challenge to Volodymyr Zelensky's leadership since the outbreak of full-scale war with Russia in February 2022. The 35-year-old former minister highlighted the necessity of preserving democratic principles even as military operations continue across the nation.

## Call for Democratic Governance Amid War
In a video published to YouTube on Tuesday, Mykhailo Fedorov emphasized that democracy cannot be held hostage by Russia. He stated that Ukraine is fighting specifically to ensure it remains a free European state. Throughout the recording, he refrained from naming Volodymyr Zelensky directly.

Addressing internal state affairs, Fedorov expressed concerns that Ukraine is confronting a systemic crisis of governance and remains scared of change. He pointed to corruption within the country as a major impediment that damages the national defense effort. Without outlining any individual political ambitions, he urged the establishment of a legal, safe, and realistic mechanism to enable the restoration of a complete democratic process during an extended conflict.

## Ministerial Ouster and Military Leadership Changes
Mykhailo Fedorov was unexpectedly dismissed from his post as defence minister in late July, having served only six months following his appointment. During his time in office, he received recognition for reorganizing the ministry, initiating measures against official corruption, and using data analysis to enhance operational efficiency on the front line.

His removal was widely attributed to rising disagreement between him and army commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. Several weeks after Fedorov's departure, Oleksandr Syrskyi was also replaced following weeks of public protests that heightened pressure on the Ukrainian president. Volodymyr Zelensky subsequently appointed Yevgeniy Khmara, a career intelligence official maintaining a low political profile, as acting defence minister.

## Digital Warfare and Technological Innovations
Prior to leading the defence ministry, Fedorov served as minister of digital transformation. Immediately after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Fedorov organized a volunteer group named the IT Army of Ukraine to execute cyber-attacks against Russian infrastructure.

He subsequently spearheaded a fundraising initiative known as the Army of Drones and introduced gamified elements to military operations, creating a system that credited Ukrainian units for successfully striking designated Russian targets. As defence minister, he maintained a strict focus on uncrewed aerial vehicles, advanced military tech, and procurement reform. He directly engaged SpaceX founder Elon Musk, requesting intervention to prevent Russian forces from utilizing Starlink satellite communications for drone strikes, an action credited with disrupting frontline enemy operations.

Shortly following his dismissal, Fedorov reflected on his tenure in a Facebook post, stating that he would continue working to defeat the enemy through asymmetry, speed of innovation, and organizational strength.

## Escalating Long-Range Strike Operations
Military activities have intensified as Ukraine expanded long-range attacks targeting locations deep inside Russian territory. In recent weeks, hundreds of uncrewed aircraft targeted Russian oil refineries alongside infrastructure belonging to Wildberries, the country's largest online retailer. Moscow regional governor Andrey Vorobyov reported that approximately 600 drones targeted the capital region on Saturday night, describing it as one of the most massive drone attacks in recent memory.

Local officials in Russia reported that 9 people were killed and 23 injured, including a child, during the recent strikes across the border. Meanwhile, Russian bombardments hitting Ukrainian territory early Tuesday resulted in 17 fatalities.

## Geopolitical Stance and International Support
Following confirmation that British-made drones were deployed in recent strikes inside Russian borders, Moscow issued warnings regarding potential consequences. In response, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham reaffirmed complete backing for Ukraine. Under martial law enacted after the invasion began in 2022, election proceedings in Ukraine remain officially suspended.

## What this means for you
**Globally:** Intensifying drone strikes on oil infrastructure and political uncertainty in Eastern Europe could trigger volatility in global energy markets and crude prices.

## Questions & Answers

### 1. What did Mykhailo Fedorov request in his YouTube video?
Mykhailo Fedorov called for establishing a safe, legal, and realistic mechanism to restore full democratic elections in Ukraine despite the ongoing war.

### 2. Why are elections currently suspended in Ukraine?
Elections are legally suspended in Ukraine due to martial law enforced after Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.

### 3. Why was Mykhailo Fedorov dismissed as defence minister?
He was unexpectedly dismissed in July following tensions with army commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.

### 4. Who is the current acting defence minister of Ukraine?
President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed Yevgeniy Khmara, a career intelligence official, as acting defence minister.

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