Former Ukrainian defense minister calls for election preparations despite martial law

Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called on authorities in Kyiv to initiate technical preparations for future national elections, despite ongoing martial law restrictions. Fedorov, who President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed in July, argued that early logistical planning is crucial to navigate complex electoral challenges. Major hurdles include facilitating voting for frontline soldiers, millions of internally displaced citizens, and refugees residing abroad.

Under Ukrainian law, national elections are strictly prohibited while martial law remains active, and the administration in Kyiv has shown no immediate intention of lifting the measure. However, Fedorov emphasized that administrative groundwork must precede any formal call to the polls to ensure democratic processes remain feasible once conditions permit.

Sources: Le Monde