UKRAINE, Aug. 18 — Mykhaylo Fedorov, the former Minister of Defense of Ukraine, in his video address called Ukraine to find an approach to restore “full democratic process” in the country amid Russia’s full-scale invasion. 

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, removed Fedorov from his post on Jul. 16, prompting widespread peaceful protests across Ukraine asking to return Fedorov as a Minister of Defense. The demonstrations have continued since then. 

What Fedorov said? 

In his video Fedorov said that Ukraine needs a  “legal, safe, and realistic mechanism” for elections during the war that would ensure rights for voting Ukrainians abroad, people who live in frontline settlements, and the military. 

“We must not allow [Russian President] Putin to decide when Ukrainians can elect their government,” he said.  

He also criticized what he described as a broader crisis of governance, calling for faster decision-making, stronger institutions, and greater accountability from public officials. He warned against a system in which personal loyalty takes precedence over competence and results. 

“Power must mean responsibility,” Fedorov said. He also said that government members should be accountable for their work. 

Fedorov also argued on corruption saying that its consequences were particularly severe during Russia’s war against Ukraine because money for defense lost through corrupt schemes can directly weaken Ukraine’s defense capabilities. 

He also called for greater transparency in government decisions, saying that Ukrainians who have accepted major restrictions during the war have the right to understand why key decisions are made. 

What led up to this? 

After Fedorov’s dismissal and the wave of protests in his support, Zelenskyy offered him the post of Vice Premier Minister of Military Innovations. 

“I consider Mykhaylo part of the team. I offered him several positions,” Zelenskyy said. 

Fedorov responded that he wouldn’t accept any of the posts Zelenskyy had offered him, saying that the defense minister is one of three officials who can directly determine the course of the war. 

“(Those officials are) the President of Ukraine, the defense minister and the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces. That is why I will not accept any position other than defense minister,” Fedorov said. 

On Aug. 18, Zelenskyy submitted nominations to the Ukrainian Parliament to appoint Yevhen Khmara, acting defense minister, as defense minister and Andrii Sybiha as foreign minister. Fedorov released his video address hours after Zelenskyy’s decision. 

The Ukrainian Parliament is expected to vote on Khmara’s appointmnet on Aug. 19. 

Read more 

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