Former Ukrainian defence minister urges elections despite martial law

Mykhailo Fedorov, the former defence minister who was dismissed from office last month, urged the Ukrainian government to resume elections on Tuesday. The call comes amid ongoing pressure from domestic and international observers for a return to democratic processes that have been stalled since the Russian invasion began in February 2022.

Ukraine declared martial law after Russian forces crossed its borders, a measure that suspends normal civil governance and bars the holding of elections. Fedorov, who remains a popular figure among many Ukrainians, argued that the country should move toward a timetable for elections once the security situation allows, citing the need to restore civilian oversight and democratic legitimacy.

The government has yet to respond to the former minister’s appeal. Analysts note that any decision to lift martial law and hold elections will hinge on the pace of the conflict and the stability of the Ukrainian state, factors that remain uncertain as the war continues.