Fedorov recorded an appeal to Ukrainians: proposes looking for options for elections

In Ukraine, it is necessary to find a mechanism to hold elections in conditions of war. The opportunity to vote must be available to all Ukrainians.

He noted that Russia cannot obtain the right to decide when Ukrainians will again be able to elect their government. "A democracy cannot be hostage to Russia. We are fighting precisely because we want to remain a free European state. Therefore, we must find a legal, safe, and realistic mechanism that will allow Ukraine to restore a full democratic process even amid prolonged war," said the former minister. Fedorov drew attention to the need to ensure the right to vote for military personnel, millions of Ukrainians abroad, and people living in frontline regions. Also mandatory conditions are: the security of the electoral process; independence of institutions; trust in the result. According to him, Ukraine has already done many things that the world considered impossible. Therefore a solution can be found in this situation as well. "People cannot live indefinitely in a state where they do not know why certain decisions are made, why some reforms advance while others are blocked, why decisions needed at the front today take months to move through cabinets," he said. Fedorov believes that against this background people may think that the main criterion for officials is not their professionalism but loyalty to the system. This is not how the modern state should operate. It is worth noting that Fedorov recorded his video address a few hours after President Volodymyr Zelensky submitted to the Rada a nomination of Yevheniy Khmara for the position of defense minister. Elections during wartime It is worth noting that elections in Ukraine during the period of martial law are prohibited at the legislative level. Only the Verhovna Rada (Parliament) can lift such prohibition. The topic of elections in Ukraine during war gained urgency after last year when President Donald Trump stated on this. He emphasized that democracy "cannot be without elections."

In response, President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that he is ready for elections. But, in his words, they can be organized only under conditions of security of the electoral process and changes in the legislation. He also clarified that for elections a ceasefire with Russia is required.