Former Ukrainian defense minister urges groundwork for future elections

Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called on officials to begin technical and legal preparations for future national elections, even as Russia's invasion continues. Fedorov, who was dismissed from his post by President Volodymyr Zelensky in July, argued that early planning is necessary to overcome logistical challenges, including enabling voting for active military personnel, internally displaced persons, and millions of refugees living overseas.

Ukrainian legislation strictly forbids holding elections while martial law remains active, and the Zelensky administration has not indicated when martial law might end. However, Fedorov emphasized that establishing administrative and legal protocols now will ensure a seamless return to democratic processes once security conditions permit martial law to be lifted.

Sources: Le Monde.