KYIV — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected the idea of holding elections during the war with Russia on August 9, 2026. He cited national risk as the primary reason for maintaining the current political structure during the ongoing conflict.

"I believe that in a war like this, elections as such are a huge risk. Elections right now are a tsunami for the country that will split Ukraine," Zelenskyy said. His statement came as political tensions escalated with former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who had recently called for a return to democratic processes.

Fedorov called for national elections to be held despite the ongoing war in a video statement on August 5, 2026. He argued that the legal framework should adapt to allow voting even while martial law remains in effect. "Democracy cannot be held hostage by Russia," Fedorov said.

The former minister outlined a specific approach to resolving the constitutional deadlock. "We must find a legal, safe and realistic mechanism that will allow Ukraine to restore a full democratic process even amidst a prolonged war," he said. He further questioned the purpose of the conflict if internal dialogue was suppressed. "If I cannot share my ideas and be open about them with my own society, then what are we fighting for?" Fedorov said in a BBC interview.

He dismissed Fedorov from his post as Defense Minister in mid-July 2026. The president cited an unsolvable feud between Fedorov and General Oleksandr Syrskyi as the reason for the dismissal. This personnel change triggered weeks of protests across Ukraine as supporters of the former minister demonstrated against the decision.

Fedorov addressed the corruption allegations in his recent media appearances. He that Zelenskyy had "questions to answer" about alleged corruption in his government. Zelenskyy responded to the investigations by stating that anti-corruption investigators do not believe he was involved in the money-laundering case.

In an off-the-record meeting transcript, he reflected on his relationship with the former defense chief. "I really had and still have a very positive attitude toward Mykhailo. We have been through a lot together. But I believe that he himself goes, or is pushed, into the wrong things," he said.

The president also noted financial pressures within the military establishment, saying the Defense Ministry faced a $27 billion budget shortfall after spending decisions earlier in the year brought forward funds originally intended for the second half of 2026.

Fedorov denied having immediate political ambitions but did not rule out a future run for president. He confirmed a visit to the United States in the coming weeks where he hopes to meet Elon Musk. These developments occur against the backdrop of Ukraine being under martial law since February 2022, which prohibits elections.

Why It Matters

The rejection of elections during wartime shows the tension between national security imperatives and democratic obligations in Ukraine. Martial law, in place since February 2022, legally bars voting, but political figures like Fedorov argue that prolonged conflict requires new mechanisms to maintain legitimacy. The dispute reflects how internal political cohesion is tested by the duration of the war with Russia.

Simultaneously, the anti-corruption investigations into senior presidential officials add a layer of complexity to the governance debate. While Zelenskyy maintains that he is not implicated, the probe into his office occurs alongside public calls for electoral restoration. The outcome of these investigations and the potential for future political campaigns by figures such as Fedorov will shape the post-war political landscape.

Timeline

Ukraine has been under martial law since February 2022, which prohibits elections. Zelenskyy fired Mykhailo Fedorov in mid-July 2026. Zelenskyy cited an unsolvable feud between Fedorov and General Oleksandr Syrskyi as the reason for Fedorov's dismissal.

Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov called for national elections to be held despite the ongoing war on August 5, 2026. "Democracy cannot be held hostage by Russia," he said.

Ukrainian anti-corruption agencies are investigating senior officials in President Zelenskyy's office for alleged money laundering on August 6, 2026. Zelenskyy issued a decree dismissing Iryna Mudra from the position of deputy head of the Office of the President on August 6, 2026.

What's New

Later reporting revealed additional context regarding the personal and financial dimensions of the political rift. We have been through a lot together. He said the Defense Ministry faced a $27 billion budget shortfall after spending decisions earlier in the year brought forward funds originally intended for the second half of 2026.

Additional facts include the status of the legal probe and personnel changes. Ukrainian anti-corruption agencies are investigating senior officials in President Zelenskyy's office for alleged money laundering. Zelenskyy issued a decree dismissing Iryna Mudra from the position of deputy head of the Office of the President.