Ukraine’s sacked defence minister calls for wartime elections

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's administration in Ukraine is facing corruption allegations after anti-corruption agencies launched an investigation into a network allegedly tied to his office.

This comes as Mykhailo Fedorov, the former defense minister, called for wartime elections in a video address on YouTube, directly challenging President Zelenskyy's leadership.

Fedorov's ouster from his role as defense minister sparked protests across the country, with thousands of people demanding that he be reinstated. The politician had been credited with trying to reform the ministry and introducing new technologies, such as drones, to fight against Russia.

The investigation into Zelenskyy's office is being led by Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO). The agencies announced that they are conducting an operation to expose a criminal organization allegedly led by a sitting and a former lawmaker, involving senior officials from the presidential office and other individuals.

The investigation brings additional pressure on Zelenskyy, who is already facing criticism over his decision to impose martial law in Ukraine when Russian forces invaded in February 2022. Martial law prohibits elections from being held, which has fueled Fedorov's call for wartime elections.

Fedorov's video address emphasized that democracy cannot be held hostage by Russia and that Ukraine needs to find a way to hold elections despite the ongoing war. His remarks sparked a new wave of protests in support of his demand for electoral reform.

The situation highlights the challenges facing Zelenskyy as he navigates the country's ongoing conflict with Russia while also addressing internal political tensions.