On August 23, 2026, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed the proposal of conducting elections during the ongoing conflict with Russia. This statement came days after former defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov had advocated for them.

Zelenskyy described elections at this time as posing significant risks, likening them to a ‘tsunami for the country’ that could lead to division. His comments were made public on Sunday.

Fedorov, dismissed last month, released a video on Tuesday urging for elections. He argued that democracy should not be hindered by Russian aggression and called for establishing a ‘legal, safe, and realistic mechanism’ to restore democracy during wartime.

‘We are fighting to remain a free European state,’ Fedorov stated in his message. His call for elections was perceived as a major challenge to Zelenskyy’s authority, though Fedorov did not indicate any political ambitions.

Since the Russian invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has been under martial law, which prohibits holding elections. In an interview aired by the BBC, Fedorov urged for open discussions about elections, despite the conflict.

The former defense minister questioned the Ukrainian president regarding alleged corruption within the government. He referenced a recent money laundering investigation as a point of concern.

Zelenskyy dismissed Fedorov in mid-July, attributing the decision to unresolvable tensions with the top general, Oleksandr Syrskyi. This action ignited widespread protests across Ukraine in support of the respected minister.

Fedorov had played a key role in strengthening Ukraine’s defense strategy, significantly increasing strikes within Russian territory and enhancing its military capabilities.