Overview
- Mykhailo Fedorov posted a video on Tuesday urging a “legal, safe and realistic mechanism” to resume full presidential elections even as the war continues.
- Ukrainian law bars national votes under the martial law declared on Feb. 24, 2022, and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said a vote needs a ceasefire and security guarantees before it can proceed.
- Fedorov’s intervention follows his July dismissal after reported clashes with the military leadership and large street protests that later contributed to leadership changes; Zelenskyy has nominated Yevhenii Khmara as defence minister.
- Recent polls cited in coverage show Fedorov competitive against Zelenskyy in a hypothetical runoff, though Fedorov has not said whether he will stand for president.
- The dispute highlights a split between tech‑driven reformers and the military establishment, keeps thousands mobilized in Kyiv protests, and raises risks to defence continuity and Western support depending on how Kyiv manages the legal and security obstacles to a vote.