Former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov is reportedly considering running for president or otherwise taking part in elections if they are held in Ukraine.
According to Ukrainska Pravda citing sources close to Fedorov on Friday, Aug. 21, he has not clearly stated that he would seek the presidency, but has not ruled it out either.
“He wants to bring together the best election experts in the world, meet with every person who hates this topic, and explain that the only way forward for us is to prepare to hold elections,” one member of Fedorov’s team told Ukrainska Pravda.
Options under consideration
Fedorov’s team reported him to be considering three options: a presidential bid, support for a particular candidate or party, or no direct electoral role while he focuses entirely on private-sector work.
According to the sources, his plans will become clearer closer to the elections.
Nevertheless, the former minister intends to devote his time to the question of democratic voting.
Wartime election debate
Fedorov called for Ukraine to find a “legal, safe and realistic mechanism” to restore its democratic process during a prolonged war. He made the remarks in a video address posted to his YouTube channel on Tuesday, Aug. 18.
“We must not let Putin decide when Ukrainians can choose their government,” Fedorov said, adding that “democracy cannot be a hostage to Russia.”
“We are fighting precisely because we want to remain a free European state,” he continued.
His remarks came hours after President Volodymyr Zelensky nominated Yevhen Khmara as his permanent replacement as defense minister. Ukraine’s parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, appointed Khmara to the post on Wednesday, Aug. 19, with 312 lawmakers voting in favor.
Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine has not held national elections, as voting is prohibited under martial law. The Verkhovna Rada would need to change the legal framework before a national vote could take place.
Political risks
However, even Fedorov’s supporters, gathered outside the Rada in Kyiv on Wednesday, felt uneasy about his risky bet of entering the political fray with a call for wartime elections.
The address, filmed a month after Fedorov’s ousting, appeared to end speculation about his immediate political direction and ruled out potential cooperation with the government, according to AFP.
Experts have cited numerous obstacles, including voting for soldiers, millions of Ukrainian refugees and people in occupied territories, as well as disinformation threats from Russia.
Fedorov’s departure as defense minister came as part of a broader Cabinet reshuffle on July 15, a move that triggered nationwide protests calling for his reinstatement.
Since then, Fedorov has turned down other government roles offered to him, saying he would accept nothing short of resuming his position as defense minister.