Story perspectives

Fedorov Calls Wartime Elections as Kyiv Protests Demand His Return

8/20/2026

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Fedorov Calls Election

Former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov called for wartime presidential elections in a YouTube address on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.
A Socis Centre poll placed Fedorov third with 13.1% support, behind President Volodymyr Zelensky (22.3%) and Valerii Zaluzhnyi (21.4%).
Thousands gathered in Kyiv, chanting Fedorov’s name and demanding his return, citing corruption and failures.
Parliament confirmed President Zelensky’s nominee, former intelligence official Yevhen Khmara, as the defence minister.

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Fedorov Calls Election

Former defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov called for wartime elections in a YouTube address on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.
The protests demanded his return and the removal of army chief Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, who was dismissed and succeeded by Gen. Mykhailo Drapatyi.
Fedorov, dismissed in July as minister, said his procurement reforms threatened entrenched commercial interests.
Demonstrators in Kyiv involved about 2,000 people calling for Fedorov’s return and Syrskyi’s removal.

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Fedorov Calls Election

Former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov called for wartime elections in a YouTube address on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.
Zelensky’s office dismissed deputy chief of staff Iryna Mudra after an anti-corruption probe linked her to money-laundering.
Fedorov warned that Ukraine’s constitution prohibits elections while martial law is in effect.
Protests in Kyiv drew several thousand demonstrators demanding Fedorov’s reinstatement.
Parliament confirmed intelligence official Yevhen Khmara as defence minister on August 19, following Zelensky’s nomination.

History

Historical Context

The 2014 Euromaidan uprising forced President Viktor Yanukovych to flee after deadly clashes that killed roughly 100 people, leading to an interim government and constitutional reforms. Protesters then demanded ministerial resignations and greater transparency. Current demonstrations repeat those 2014 demands, urging Kyiv to replace defence officials and ensure public accountability.

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Fedorov Calls Election

Former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov called for wartime presidential elections in a YouTube address on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.
A Socis Centre poll placed Fedorov third with 13.1% support, behind President Volodymyr Zelensky (22.3%) and Valerii Zaluzhnyi (21.4%).
Thousands gathered in Kyiv, chanting Fedorov’s name and demanding his return, citing corruption and failures.
Parliament confirmed President Zelensky’s nominee, former intelligence official Yevhen Khmara, as the defence minister.

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