Zelensky’s office calls former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov’s demand for wartime elections unrealistic

Source: BBC News

A source in the office of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking anonymously to BBC News, has dismissed the idea of holding elections while the war continues, responding to a video address in which Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s former defense minister, called for the country to go to the polls.

The source said it was “highly bizarre to plan elections amidst missiles and drones.” “This demonstrates a complete lack of realism,” the source said.

Zelensky himself has yet to respond to Fedorov’s address as of this writing.

Fedorov was appointed defense minister in January 2026. Zelensky fired him in July, reportedly over a conflict with Oleksandr Syrskyi, then the commander in chief of Ukraine’s armed forces.

The firing set off protests in Ukraine. Syrskyi was dismissed soon afterward. Protests demanding Fedorov’s reinstatement continue.

Yevhenii Khmara, who previously headed Ukraine’s Security Service, has taken over as defense minister.

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Zelensky’s office calls former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov’s demand for wartime elections unrealistic

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Zelensky’s office calls former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov’s demand for wartime elections unrealistic

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