Former defence minister Fedorov calls for elections: democracy cannot be held hostage by Russia

Former Ukrainian defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called for measures to ensure that Russia does not get to decide when Ukrainians can once again elect their government.

Source: Fedorov in an address on YouTube

Quote: "We must answer a fundamental question: how should the state function if the war continues for years?

And the next question is – what if the war continues for another year? Two? Three?

Can Russia effectively be given the right to decide when Ukrainians can once again elect their government?

I am convinced that it cannot. Democracy cannot be held hostage by Russia."

Details: Fedorov argued that Ukraine must find a lawful, safe and realistic mechanism that would allow a full democratic process to be restored even during a prolonged war.

Quote: "It is difficult. We need to ensure the right to vote for service members. For millions of Ukrainians abroad. For people in frontline areas. We need to ensure the security of the electoral process, the independence of institutions and trust in the result.

But difficulty does not mean impossibility. Ukraine has done many things that the world considered impossible."

Details: Fedorov said that it is "particularly dangerous when society develops a sense that the main criterion for the appointment of a person is not their professionalism, their results or their ability to change the country, but their personal loyalty to the system".

Quote: "A modern state cannot work like that. And especially not a country that is fighting for its survival.

We must also talk about corruption. Not because it is a popular word.

But because during wartime, corruption takes on a completely different meaning."

Details: Fedorov also stressed that Russia continues to change its tactics as the war goes on and Ukraine is facing critical decisions every day. In these circumstances, he said, the country cannot afford to go without a fully appointed defence minister. "This is not how things should be," he added.

Background:

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has submitted a nomination to parliament for Yevhenii Khmara to be appointed defence minister and Andrii Sybiha to be appointed foreign minister.
• Protests in support of former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov have been taking place in Ukraine for more than a month. Protesters were marching through Kyiv on Sunday 16 August calling for Mykhailo Fedorov's reinstatement as defence minister and for the authorities to engage in dialogue with the public.

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