Former Ukrainian Defence Minister Advocates for Elections Amidst Ongoing War

Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine's former Defence Minister, is urging the government to initiate plans for elections that have been stalled due to the ongoing conflict with Russia. In a YouTube video released on August 18, 2026, Fedorov emphasized that democracy should not be compromised by the war, stating, "Democracy cannot be held hostage by Russia."

Since the Russian invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has been under martial law, which prohibits elections. Fedorov insists that the country must develop a "legal, safe, and realistic mechanism" to restore democratic processes, even during wartime.

Despite recognizing the complexities involved—such as ensuring voting access for soldiers, frontline residents, and the Ukrainian diaspora—he remains optimistic, asserting, "Complexity does not mean impossibility." Fedorov, who was dismissed last month amid protests against President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has not disclosed any immediate political ambitions but has expressed a desire to return to his former role.

Source: www.thehindu.com