Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov is calling for presidential elections to be held despite the ongoing war with Russia, mounting one of the most direct political challenges yet to President Volodymyr Zelensky since Russia’s 2022 invasion.

“Democracy cannot be held hostage by Russia,” Fedorov said in a speech broadcast on social media. He called for Ukraine to develop a “legal, safe and realistic mechanism” that would allow the country to fully resume its democratic process even while the war continues.

Ukraine’s presidential election had been scheduled for 2024 but was postponed under martial law, which prohibits elections. Zelensky has previously indicated that the law could be changed, but has said an election should take place during a ceasefire with Russia to ensure voting can be conducted safely and freely.

Fedorov, 35, served as defense minister for roughly six months and became a popular figure over reforms he promoted and his efforts to combat corruption. His dismissal last month sparked protests in several Ukrainian cities, particularly among younger Ukrainians.

In his remarks, Fedorov criticized what he called the “old system,” saying it fears change and protects itself. He also suggested that personal loyalty has become too important in government appointments.

“People cannot live forever in a country where they do not understand why certain decisions are being made,” Fedorov said. “It is especially dangerous when society begins to feel that the main criterion for an appointment is not professionalism, achievements and the ability to change the country, but personal loyalty to the system.”

Fedorov has not announced whether he plans to run for president. A poll released earlier this month showed him receiving 13.1% in a hypothetical first round, behind Zelensky at 22.3% and former military chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi at 21.4%. The same poll found both Fedorov and Zaluzhnyi would defeat Zelensky in a runoff.

The political tensions come as two Ukrainian anti-corruption agencies announced an investigation involving lawmakers and senior advisers in the presidential office. Among those reportedly examined was deputy presidential office chief Iryna Mudra, who was linked by the agencies to a group accused of laundering 150 million hryvnias, approximately $3.35 million. Zelensky later removed Mudra from her position.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)