Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov called for new elections on August 20, 2026, despite the ongoing war with Russia. In a video address, Fedorov emphasized that democracy should not be sidelined during wartime, stating, "Democracy is not a peacetime luxury." He advocated for a mechanism that would allow the public to assess the performance of their leaders, while also criticizing issues such as corruption and bureaucratic inefficiency.
Fedorov's call for elections comes after his dismissal from the government last month. He noted that holding elections during wartime is challenging, citing historical examples like Franklin D. Roosevelt’s reelection in 1944 and Abraham Lincoln’s in 1864. Currently, nearly 6 million Ukrainians are abroad, and 3.7 million are displaced within the country, complicating the electoral process. Additionally, significant portions of Ukraine remain under Russian occupation, raising concerns about the legitimacy of any potential vote.
Ukrainian law prohibits national elections during martial law, meaning that any election would require legal adjustments and consensus on security and legitimacy. Fedorov questioned the feasibility of indefinitely postponing political accountability if the war continues for an extended period. He suggested that a broader wartime government could be considered, referencing Israel’s emergency unity government as a potential model. However, he acknowledged the risks of deepening divisions within the country during a critical time for national unity.