Ukraine’s ousted defence minister challenges Zelensky and calls for wartime elections

Ukraine’s ousted defence minister challenges Zelensky and calls for wartime elections Mykhailo Fedorov says Ukraine faces ‘systemic crisis of governance’ - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Ukraine’s former defence minister has called for wartime elections in a direct challenge to president Volodymyr Zelensky. Mykhailo Fedorov, 35, whose ouster as defence chief in July triggered major protests in the country, issued the call in a video address shared on YouTube. “Democracy cannot be held hostage by Russia. We must find a legal, safe and realistic mechanism that will allow Ukraine to renew its full democratic process even in the conditions of a long war," he said. Mr Zelensky has refused to hold elections in wartime, saying a vote can only be held once a ceasefire is agreed with Russia and Ukraine has “necessary security guarantees” in place. In an open challenge to the president, Mr Fedorov said Ukraine faced a "systemic crisis of governance”. "The old system lives by its own rules too often. It protects itself. It is scared of change," he said. Mr Fedorov’s remarks came just hours after Mr Zelensky said he had asked the parliament to confirm Yevhenii Khmara as the new defence minister on Wednesday. While Mr Fedorov didn’t mention if he would compete in any election, a recent poll indicated that the former minister would comfortably beat the president if they went head-to-head. "Our people have long been ready for a different country," Mr Fedorov said in his address. "Now, our state must become worthy of its people." Without naming names, Mr Fedorov also condemned corruption in government, which he said had hurt Ukraine's war effort. Mr Fedorov was regarded as an ally of Mr Zelensky until his unexpected firing in July. He had taken over just six months earlier, vowing sweeping reforms. Shortly after his dismissal, he publicly tore into the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, exposing a bitter rift between the men and their visions for conducting the war. Thousands of Ukrainians took to the streets to demand the sacking of General Syrskyi, who was blamed by his critics for heavy troop losses on the frontline, and Mr Fedorov's reinstatement. Although Mr Zelensky said he had dismissed Mr Fedorov because of his inability to work with General Syrskyi, the president also fired his military chief shortly afterwards due to mounting public pressure. The former minister recently said he believed his reforms of the defence ministry's procurement processes, responsible for purchasing billions of dollars of equipment, contributed to his sacking. Protests in support of Mr Fedorov have continued for the past month, losing some of their early momentum but still regularly drawing a couple thousand attendees in Kyiv. Mr Zelensky’s office is yet to comment on the address given by the former defence minister. Mr Fedorov became the youngest minister in Ukraine's history when he was made the digitalisation chief at the age of 28. He spent six years in that post. He was the last remaining member of Mr Zelensky's first cabinet from 2019. His role running the digital transformation ministry saw him become an early adopter of drone warfare, which would turn combat in Ukraine on its head following Russia’s invasion in 2022. His nationwide profile grew after his appointment to run the defence ministry in January, immediately vowing a data-driven overhaul. Unlike his predecessors, Mr Fedorov publicly laid out a strategy to defeat Russia through attrition and technological superiority. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments