Ukraine's sacked defence minister calls for elections

Ukraine's popular former defense minister, Mykhailo Fedorov (35), a prominent reformist whose dismissal in July sparked mass demonstrations, called last night for elections to be held despite the Russian invasion and for "the restoration of a full democratic process."

"Democracy cannot be held hostage by Russia... Therefore, we must find a legal, safe and realistic mechanism that will allow Ukraine to restore a full democratic process even in the midst of a protracted war," Fedorov said in a speech on YouTube.

Fedorov denounced a "systemic crisis of governance," criticizing government institutions for their slowness, resistance to change, and a culture that "sometimes favors loyalty over efficiency."

He dedicated a large part of his speech to corruption, the consequences of which, as he said, are especially severe in wartime.

"Every hryvnia (Ukrainian currency) that should be used for defense must be used for defense," Fedorov said, stressing that "misuse of funds means that drones, ammunition or equipment can never reach Ukrainian forces."

Fedorov said that a sense of injustice threatens to erode trust between citizens and the state, especially when soldiers risk their lives while others profit from the war, or when government decisions are not adequately explained.

He advocates for a "new social contract" based on a relationship of trust and reciprocity - citizens fulfill their obligations to the state, and the state acts transparently and protects them.

In his words, Ukrainians can accept that the authorities can make mistakes in such a complex war, but "they have the right to the truth."

The former defense minister stressed the need to preserve hope that a "stronger, more just, and freer" Ukraine would emerge after the war.

Fedorov said Kiev needs to show that the country can simultaneously wage war and remain a democracy.

"We must not allow (Russian President Vladimir) Putin to decide when Ukrainians can choose their leaders," said the former minister, who called for building a state where "institutions are stronger than names," where results trump loyalty and where power serves Ukraine, not itself.