On August 23, 2026, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine dismissed the idea of conducting elections during the ongoing conflict with Russia. This decision came four days after a public appeal for elections by the former defense minister.
In a statement released Sunday, Zelenskyy said, I believe that in a war like this, elections as such are a huge risk. Elections right now are a tsunami for the country that will split Ukraine.
Former defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov, removed from his post in the previous month, released a video on Tuesday advocating for Ukraine’s chance to vote. Democracy cannot be held hostage by Russia,
Fedorov argued, suggesting a legal, safe and realistic mechanism
to maintain democratic processes, even amid extended war. We are fighting precisely because we want to remain a free European state,
he emphasized.
The proposal marked a significant challenge to Zelenskyy’s authority since the conflict’s beginning. Fedorov did not disclose any personal political aspirations. The president imposed martial law, which prohibits holding elections, following Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
In an interview with the BBC, Fedorov stated that Zelenskyy had questions to answer
about alleged governmental corruption. This follows a money laundering probe announced last week. He also highlighted the importance of Ukrainians having open discussions about possible elections.
If I cannot share my ideas and be open about them with my own society, then what are we fighting for,
Fedorov told the BBC.
Zelenskyy dismissed Fedorov in mid-July, citing a feud with General Oleksandr Syrskyi as the reason. The dismissal led to protests across Ukraine, where thousands objected to the exit of the well-respected minister. Fedorov was credited with enhancing Ukraine’s military efforts, significantly boosting strikes inside Russia and strengthening its domestic arsenal.