In brief
Mykhailo Fedorov, a 35‑year‑old former Ukrainian defence minister, has called for presidential elections within a year during the war, arguing that democracy cannot be hostage to Russian aggression. The call follows his dismissal in late July, a move that spurred protests and brought about a reshuffle in Ukraine’s military command. Fedorov’s video stresses the need for “legal, safe, and realistic” mechanisms to restore democratic processes, while also highlighting systemic governance crises and corruption as impediments to the war effort. Zelensky has yet to respond, and the move raises questions about the future political trajectory of Ukraine under martial law. The article details Fedorov’s record, including cyber‑attack initiatives and drone programmes, and outlines his vision for a governance model that balances security and democratic resilience.
Former Ukrainian defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov, 35, posted a video on YouTube on Tuesday demanding that Ukraine hold presidential elections within a year, even as the country remains under martial law. In the clip he said, “Democracy cannot be held hostage by Russia” and added that Ukraine is fighting “precisely because we want to remain a free European state.”
Fedorov was sacked in late July, only six months after his appointment. The dismissal sparked nationwide protests and prompted a reshuffle in the army’s leadership, including the removal of army commander‑in‑chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.
He has not revealed any personal political intent in the video, but repeatedly emphasised the need for “a legal, safe, and realistic mechanism that will allow Ukraine to restore a full democratic process even amidst a prolonged war.” He also criticised the country’s systemic governance crisis and corruption, which he says undermine the war effort.
President Zelensky has yet to respond to Fedorov’s call, while appointing Yevgeniy Khmara, a career intelligence official, as acting defence minister. Fedorov declined offered posts such as deputy prime minister for military innovation, stating he would only return as defence minister.
Beyond his political positions, Fedorov’s tenure as defence minister was marked by a focus on drones, high‑tech warfare and procurement, including asking SpaceX founder Elon Musk to curtail Russian use of Starlink satellite‑based drone attacks. Earlier as a minister of digital transformation, he organised the “IT Army of Ukraine” to launch cyber‑attacks against Russian forces and successfully ran the “Army of Drones” fundraising campaign, incorporating gamification and credit systems for Ukrainian units that hit Russian targets.
His final Facebook post after dismissal highlighted his achievements and pledged to “continue... to defeat the enemy through asymmetry, speed of innovation, and organisational strength.”
