Political pressure mounts in Ukraine as former defense chief calls for elections
Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov called for wartime elections as Russian strikes hit Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia.
Following recent Russian strikes across Ukrainian territory—including a fatal missile attack in the Kharkiv region and further strikes in Zaporizhzhia—Ukrainian forces retaliated with drone attacks aimed at Moscow.
Domestically, political friction intensified after former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov publicly urged the establishment of legal mechanisms to conduct national elections during wartime, stating that "democracy cannot be held hostage by Russia." The demand follows his recent dismissal and coincides with anti-corruption raids targeting individuals linked to President Volodymyr Zelensky's administration. Amid the mounting political strain, the Ukrainian parliament met to vote on confirming Yevhenii Khmara as the country's new defense minister.
Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, Il Sole 24 Ore, La Repubblica.
How outlets assessed this
- Aug 27, 2026, 09:00 AM UTC
- Corriere della Sera Critical Framed President Zelensky as politically surrounded by anti-corruption sweeps and escalating demands for national elections.
- Il Messaggero Skeptical Cast Mykhailo Fedorov as a direct rival challenging Zelensky's leadership following his sudden removal from office.
Sources
- La Repubblica — Guerra Ucraina - Russia, le news di oggi. Fedorov chiede elezioni: “Democrazia non può essere ostaggio di Mosca”
- Corriere della Sera — Zelensky «accerchiato»: blitz anticorruzione contro un gruppo legato a lui e Fedorov chiede di andare al voto. Nuova ondata di droni ucraini su Mosca
- Il Sole 24 Ore — Guerra in Ucraina, ultime notizie. Missili russi su Kiev e aree circostanti, 12 morti
- ANSA — Ucraina, raid russo notturno su Kiev, Zelensky: 'Tredici morti e 40 feriti'
- Il Messaggero — Chi è Mykhailo Fedorov, ?l'anti Zelensky? che chiede le elezioni anticipate: il ruolo nella guerra tecnologica e il licenziamento improvviso
Earlier coverage
- Oct 16, 2026, 06:30 PM UTCEU warns Moscow after drone incidents as Russia targets Ukrainian energy
- Oct 16, 2026, 05:30 PM UTCEU warns against Russian hybrid threats as strikes hit Kyiv and energy targets
- Oct 16, 2026, 05:00 PM UTCEU warns Moscow over hybrid threats as Russian drone strikes hit Kyiv
- Oct 16, 2026, 12:30 PM UTCRussian strikes target Kyiv as EU warns Moscow over hybrid threats
- Oct 16, 2026, 11:30 AM UTCEU vows response to alleged Russian sabotage as Kyiv faces fresh drone strikes
- Oct 16, 2026, 11:00 AM UTCGerman police identify Russian-linked suspects over Leipzig drone discovery
- Oct 16, 2026, 06:30 AM UTCRussia targets Kyiv with drones as EU warns against acts of sabotage on its soil
- Oct 16, 2026, 05:00 AM UTCRussia launches new campaign against Ukrainian energy grid as Kyiv comes under drone attack
- Oct 16, 2026, 12:30 AM UTCGerman authorities identify suspects in Leipzig drone incident as EU warns Moscow
- Oct 15, 2026, 11:00 PM UTCEuropean Union warns Russia over covert operations as strikes target Kyiv and Russian energy sites