Ousted Ukraine defense chief Fedorov calls for wartime elections in challenge to Zelensky

While Fedorov did not say in his address that he would compete in any election, a recent poll indicated the ex-minister would comfortably beat Zelensky in a runoff vote.

The popular former minister said on Tuesday that Kyiv must find a 'legal, safe and realistic' way to restore the democratic process even amid the prolonged war. Ukraine imposed martial law when Russian forces invaded in February 2022, and military rule prohibits holding elections.

The popular former minister said on Tuesday that Kyiv must find a 'legal, safe and realistic' way to restore the democratic process even amid the prolonged war. Ukraine imposed martial law when Russian forces invaded in February 2022, and military rule prohibits holding elections.

Ukraine’s ousted defense minister calls for wartime elections in bombshell address  CNN

"We must not let Putin decide when Ukrainians can choose their government," Mykhailo Fedorov said Tuesday evening.

It is the biggest internal challenge to President Volodymyr Zelensky since 2022.

Ukraine war latest: Zelensky formally nominates Khmara as defense minister, rules out Fedorov's comeback  The Kyiv Independent

Aidan Stretch sits down with ousted Ukrainian Minister of Defense Mykhailo Fedorov to get his take on the war with Russia as protests continue over his dismissal.