Former Ukraine Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who was sacked last month, has called for a pathway to hold elections, which have been postponed due to the Russian invasion. In a video posted on YouTube, Fedorov emphasized that 'democracy cannot be held hostage by Russia' and that Ukraine must find a 'legal, safe, and realistic mechanism' to restore a full democratic process even amidst the prolonged war.
Ukraine imposed martial law when Russian forces invaded in February 2022, and under military rule, elections are prohibited. Fedorov acknowledged the complexity of holding a vote during wartime, particularly concerning how to ensure that soldiers, those living near the front line, and millions of Ukrainians abroad can cast their ballots. 'This is complex... But complexity does not mean impossibility,' he stated.
Appointed in January, Fedorov attempted to reform the military, which has been plagued by scandals involving corruption, equipment shortages, absenteeism, the treatment of conscripts, and an unpopular mobilization drive. His dismissal in July sparked weeks of protests, adding pressure on President Volodymyr Zelensky, who subsequently replaced army chief Oleksandr Syrsky, widely seen as Fedorov's rival.
In the video, Fedorov did not indicate his political plans, although he has repeatedly stated that he would only return to the government as defence minister. President Zelensky has appointed Yevgeniy Khmara, a career intelligence official with a low political profile, as acting defence minister pending a vote in parliament.
Another demonstration in support of Fedorov is scheduled outside parliament on Wednesday morning, according to his former adviser and key backer Sergiy Sternenko. The call for elections amidst the war underscores the ongoing struggle to maintain democratic processes in Ukraine while facing external aggression.
For Bangladesh, the situation in Ukraine highlights the challenges of maintaining democratic governance in the face of external threats. It also emphasizes the importance of finding innovative solutions to ensure that democratic processes can continue, even in the most difficult circumstances.







































