Ex-Ukrainian defence chief urges preparation for post-war elections

Former Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has urged the government to begin administrative planning for future democratic elections, despite current martial law prohibiting voting during wartime. Dismissed from his post by President Volodymyr Zelensky in July, Fedorov argued that technical preparations must be established in advance to prevent structural delays once fighting ceases.

Although Ukrainian law forbids holding elections while martial law is active, Fedorov stressed that resolving logistical challenges—such as securing voting access for millions of displaced citizens, overseas refugees, and frontline troops—requires early operational groundwork. Zelensky's administration continues to prioritize national defense, but Fedorov warned that delaying technical preparation until a final peace settlement could significantly postpone the restoration of electoral processes.

Sources: Le Monde