Zelensky warns wartime elections could split Ukraine as Fedorov pushes for vote

Ukraine's political crisis has deepened after the country's former defence minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, called for wartime elections, directly challenging President Volodymyr Zelensky. Fedorov, who was sacked last month after just six months in the job, released a video statement accusing the government of corruption and inefficiency, and arguing that democracy cannot be held hostage by Russia. His call has been met with protests in Kyiv and has exposed divisions within the country's leadership.

Fedorov's dismissal in July prompted mass demonstrations, with supporters praising him for modernising the army, particularly through the use of drones. He was seen as a popular and effective minister, and his removal was linked to tensions with the then army commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi. Since his sacking, he has refused other senior roles, insisting he only wanted to return as defence minister.

In his video statement, Fedorov said Ukraine faced a systematic governance crisis, with the old system protecting itself, fearing change, and rewarding loyalty over initiative. He called for a legal, safe and realistic mechanism to restore the full democratic process, even under conditions of prolonged war. He acknowledged the difficulties of holding elections, including ensuring the right to vote for the military, millions of Ukrainians abroad, and people in frontline regions.

President Zelensky responded by warning that holding elections during the war would be too dangerous and could split the country. He said the focus must be on winning the war, and suggested that Fedorov was being influenced by the wrong people. Under Ukraine's constitution, elections cannot be held while martial law is in force, and Zelensky has previously said a vote would only be possible after a ceasefire and security guarantees.

The political turmoil has been compounded by corruption investigations. Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies, NABU and SAPO, have raided offices linked to the presidential administration, including the office of a deputy chief of staff, who was subsequently sacked. The investigations are part of a broader probe into graft in the energy sector, and have reached close to Zelensky's inner circle, though he himself has not been accused.

Analysts say the situation represents the biggest challenge to Zelensky's presidency since the Russian invasion in 2022. His approval ratings have fallen from around 80% to roughly 30%, and Fedorov is seen as a popular figure who could pose a serious electoral threat. However, many Ukrainians remain wary of holding elections during a hot war, fearing Russian interference and the practical difficulties of organising a free and fair vote.

In an interview with the BBC, Fedorov stood by his call, saying it was his moral right to start the conversation. He denied that his actions were a gift to the Kremlin, insisting that Ukrainians alone should decide their future. He also said he planned to travel to the United States to seek further support from Elon Musk, hoping to extend Starlink access to help Ukraine's war effort.

The situation remains fluid, with protests planned and parliament confirming a new defence minister, Yevhen Kamara, who replaced Fedorov. While elections appear unlikely in the near term, Fedorov's challenge has opened a debate about the future of Ukraine's leadership and the health of its democracy.