Fedorov challenges Zelensky, calls for presidential election
Former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has unexpectedly called for a presidential election in Ukraine, directly challenging Volodymyr Zelensky. The proposal has drawn criticism even from some of his former supporters.
Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov addressed the public in a video message on Tuesday evening, unexpectedly proposing that a presidential election be held. The move amounts to a direct challenge to sitting President Volodymyr Zelensky.
In his address, Fedorov said corruption is undermining Ukraine's ability to continue the war, and he criticized what he described as overly centralized and insufficiently transparent decision-making within Zelensky's administration, an institution where he himself once worked.
From minister to potential rival
The 35-year-old politician has built a positive public image as a leading figure behind Ukraine's use of new technologies in the war effort, ranging from cyberattacks to drones, which have inflicted damage on Russia.
After Fedorov was removed from his post as defense minister in July, he increasingly came to be seen as a possible challenger to Zelensky. Protests broke out across Ukraine, with thousands of people demanding his reinstatement.
Criticism from former backers
The new proposal to hold an election has now become Fedorov's first serious political test, drawing criticism not only from the opposition but also from some of the very protesters who had previously supported him.
Linas Kojala, director of the Geopolitical and Security Studies Center, believes Fedorov is trying to present himself as an independent politician and to distance himself from Zelensky. It remains an open question, however, whether the move could ultimately backfire on Fedorov himself.
