Zelensky warns wartime elections could split Ukraine as Fedorov pushes for vote
Ukraine's president says elections during the war are too dangerous, after his sacked defence minister calls for a vote despite martial law.
The Full Story
A plain summary built from the channels that reported this story.
Ukraine's political crisis has deepened after the country's former defence minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, called for wartime elections, directly challenging President Volodymyr Zelensky. Fedorov, who was sacked last month after just six months in the job, released a video statement accusing the government of corruption and inefficiency, and arguing that democracy cannot be held hostage by Russia. His call has been met with protests in Kyiv and has exposed divisions within the country's leadership.
Fedorov's dismissal in July prompted mass demonstrations, with supporters praising him for modernising the army, particularly through the use of drones. He was seen as a popular and effective minister, and his removal was linked to tensions with the then army commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi. Since his sacking, he has refused other senior roles, insisting he only wanted to return as defence minister.
In his video statement, Fedorov said Ukraine faced a systematic governance crisis, with the old system protecting itself, fearing change, and rewarding loyalty over initiative. He called for a legal, safe and realistic mechanism to restore the full democratic process, even under conditions of prolonged war. He acknowledged the difficulties of holding elections, including ensuring the right to vote for the military, millions of Ukrainians abroad, and people in frontline regions.
President Zelensky responded by warning that holding elections during the war would be too dangerous and could split the country. He said the focus must be on winning the war, and suggested that Fedorov was being influenced by the wrong people. Under Ukraine's constitution, elections cannot be held while martial law is in force, and Zelensky has previously said a vote would only be possible after a ceasefire and security guarantees.
The political turmoil has been compounded by corruption investigations. Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies, NABU and SAPO, have raided offices linked to the presidential administration, including the office of a deputy chief of staff, who was subsequently sacked. The investigations are part of a broader probe into graft in the energy sector, and have reached close to Zelensky's inner circle, though he himself has not been accused.
Analysts say the situation represents the biggest challenge to Zelensky's presidency since the Russian invasion in 2022. His approval ratings have fallen from around 80% to roughly 30%, and Fedorov is seen as a popular figure who could pose a serious electoral threat. However, many Ukrainians remain wary of holding elections during a hot war, fearing Russian interference and the practical difficulties of organising a free and fair vote.
In an interview with the BBC, Fedorov stood by his call, saying it was his moral right to start the conversation. He denied that his actions were a gift to the Kremlin, insisting that Ukrainians alone should decide their future. He also said he planned to travel to the United States to seek further support from Elon Musk, hoping to extend Starlink access to help Ukraine's war effort.
The situation remains fluid, with protests planned and parliament confirming a new defence minister, Yevhen Kamara, who replaced Fedorov. While elections appear unlikely in the near term, Fedorov's challenge has opened a debate about the future of Ukraine's leadership and the health of its democracy.
On screen
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Key Claims
Claims reported during this story's coverage, mapped by channel. Ordered by how many channels carried each claim.
| Claim | BBC News | BBC One | Channel 4 | Sky News |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fedorov was the first senior Ukrainian political figure to call for elections during the war. | ||||
| Fedorov's dismissal in July led to protests and calls for his reinstatement. | · | |||
| Anti-corruption agencies raided presidential offices in Kyiv. | · | · | ||
| Around one million troops are at the front line, making voting difficult. | · | · | ||
| Fedorov said he would go to the United States to meet Elon Musk to seek support for extending Starlink access into Russian airspace. | · | · | ||
| Parliament confirmed Yevhen Hmara as the new defence minister. | · | · | ||
| Ukraine's constitution bans elections while martial law is in force. | · | · | ||
| Zelensky said elections would only be possible after a ceasefire. | · | · | ||
| A Kyiv International Institute of Sociology poll found 50% of Ukrainians support holding elections now without a ceasefire and 57% support elections after the war. | · | · | · | |
| A Russian drone dropped an explosive on a bus in Kherson, killing four people. | · | · | · | |
| Corruption investigators raided homes of politicians including a senior aide to Zelensky. | · | · | · | |
| Fedorov did not rule out standing for the presidency if an election were held. | · | · | · |
Channel Perspectives
What each channel focused on, with key quotes.
BBC News focused on the political and constitutional implications of Fedorov's call, featuring expert analysis from Michael Bociurkiw and an exclusive interview with Fedorov. The tone was analytical, highlighting the practical obstacles to holding elections during wartime and the potential impact on Ukraine's unity and international support.
- “it just isn't doable right now”
- “We are the only ones who will decide what we do going forward. That's what democracy is all about.”
- “I believe that he is ready, why not? That's his responsibility to explain whether he was aware of all that or not.”
Sky News framed the story as a major political crisis for Zelensky, with defence analyst Michael Clarke describing it as his most dangerous day since the invasion. The coverage emphasised the corruption raids, protests, and the potential role of the United States in weakening Zelensky, giving a dramatic and urgent tone.
- “this is Zelensky's most dangerous day today since the Russians invaded in 2022”
- “he is explicitly challenging for some sort of leadership”
- “Democracy cannot be a hostage to Russia.”
BBC ONE West provided a regional perspective but still covered the national story with a focus on Fedorov's interview and his plans to meet Elon Musk. The tone was straightforward, reporting on the political challenge and the corruption allegations, with an emphasis on Fedorov's continued influence despite losing his job.
- “It's definitely in my vested interests because I want this war to be over and Ukraine to become a successful country.”
- “I think that probably you better ask the president about this.”
- “Governments are lagging behind on the reality on the ground, and this is the question, not just for the UK.”
Channel 4 adopted a more dramatic and critical tone, describing the situation as 'the gloves come off' and 'Ukraine's Game of Thrones'. The coverage included interviews with Ukrainian MPs with differing views, and highlighted the human cost of the war alongside the political crisis, such as the drone attack on a bus in Kherson.
- “The gloves come off in Kiev.”
- “Corruption is only a symptom. The main problem runs much deeper.”
- “Why you propose something which can really destroy our country?”
Broadcast Timeline
News broadcasts tracked for this story, in time order.