Zelensky rejects wartime election calls after dispute with ousted defense minister Fedorov

Rejection of wartime elections

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected proposals to hold national elections while the war with Russia continues, calling the initiative a disruptive risk that would fracture the nation. Speaking to reporters on Saturday, with remarks published on Sunday, Zelensky responded directly to public calls from former defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov to restore the electoral process. Ukrainian law prohibits elections under martial law, which has remained in effect since the full-scale Russian invasion in February 2022. Zelensky argued that organizing voting during active combat is unrealistic, particularly while Russia shows no intention of agreeing to a ceasefire. He maintained that his primary strategy remains guiding the country toward the end of the conflict while preserving state sovereignty.

I believe that in a war like this, elections as such are a huge risk. Elections right now are a tsunami for the country that will split Ukraine.

Political dispute behind Fedorov's dismissal

The confrontation follows the dismissal of Fedorov from his post as defense minister in July, an event that triggered street demonstrations demanding his return. During the Saturday briefing, Zelensky detailed the circumstances surrounding the decision for the first time, citing an irreconcilable conflict between Fedorov and then-Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky. The dispute centered on the division of responsibilities and powers between the civilian defense ministry and military headquarters. Zelensky stated that cooperation between the two offices is essential for national survival during wartime, leading him to dismiss both leaders. Days before Zelensky's remarks, Fedorov released a video criticizing government corruption and later stated in a BBC interview that the administration must answer for corruption.

The commander-in-chief cannot work without the defense ministry and the defense minister, and the defense minister cannot work without the commander-in-chief. It is simply a disaster in a country at war.

Logistical barriers and public sentiment

Holding an election under current conditions presents severe operational and security hurdles across Ukraine. Officials and analysts point to the difficulty of ensuring voting rights for frontline soldiers, millions of displaced refugees living abroad, and residents in Russian-occupied territories. Continuous Russian missile and drone strikes across Ukrainian infrastructure, alongside potential interference, create physical security threats at polling locations. Domestic appetite for a wartime vote remains low, with an opinion poll showing that only 15% of Ukrainians favor conducting elections before the cessation of hostilities. Both United States President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin had previously mentioned the prospect of Ukrainian elections, though Kyiv continues to prioritize defense.

Frontline pressure and international diplomacy

The domestic political debate coincides with ongoing military clashes and diplomatic activity in Kyiv. Russia recently targeted Ukraine's railway network, while Ukrainian drones conducted strikes on targets inside Russian cities. In response, Vladimir Putin pledged counterstrikes against Ukrainian infrastructure, citing economic and production damage inflicted by Kyiv. Zelensky announced a new drone agreement with Norway and prepared to host a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing on Monday, August 24, marking Ukraine's Independence Day. Meanwhile, Fedorov's team confirmed plans for the former minister to travel to the United States, keeping attention on internal political dynamics in Kyiv.