Ousted Defense Chief Urges Ukraine to Hold Presidential Vote

Ukraine’s former defense minister has publicly pressed f…

Ukraine’s former defense minister has publicly pressed for a presidential election, arguing that the country must renew its democratic mandate despite the ongoing wartime conditions. The call comes as martial law, which has been in effect since February 2022, continues to suspend all electoral processes.

The former minister, who was dismissed from his post last year, said that delaying any vote indefinitely weakens the legitimacy of the government and undermines public trust in its leadership. He emphasized that holding an election would require careful planning, international support, and security guarantees, but insisted that it is not impossible even during active conflict.

His remarks have reignited a sensitive debate in Kyiv, where officials have repeatedly stated that elections are legally impossible under martial law. The constitutional ban is widely supported by Western allies, who fear that a vote in wartime could destabilize the country or be manipulated by Russia. However, some political figures argue that the prolonged suspension of elections risks drifting toward authoritarianism.

The former defense chief also pointed to the

The former defense chief also pointed to the need for a fresh national conversation about the war’s direction, saying that citizens deserve a direct voice in choosing their next president. He noted that Ukraine has already shown extraordinary adaptability in wartime, including in defense procurement and military reform, and that electoral logistics could follow similar innovation.

No official response has yet been issued from the presidential office. Still, the proposal is likely to stir discussion among political elites and civil society, especially as the war enters its fourth year and fatigue grows both at home and among international partners. For now, the government maintains that the priority remains battlefield survival and territorial integrity, with elections only possible after the conflict ends or martial law is lifted.