Mykhailo Fedorov calls for wartime elections as Ukraine faces intense Russian bombardment and fuel shortages
Mykhailo Fedorov, the former defense minister of Ukraine, has called for the country to hold elections despite the ongoing war with Russia. Fedorov argued that democracy should not be held hostage by the conflict, stating that a legal and realistic mechanism is needed to renew the democratic process during wartime. This move is a direct political challenge to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who recently appointed Yevhenii Khmara as the new defense minister. While Fedorov's call for elections was met with some criticism, Ukraine continues to face heavy Russian military action. The capital, Kyiv, suffered a heavy missile and drone bombardment that allegedly killed at least 16 people. Simultaneously, Russia's fuel shortages have led to have motorists in Moscow and other regions face long queues and fines for complaining. Ukrainian military strikes on Russian oil refineries and terminals have also contributed to the pressure on Russian infrastructure. Meanwhile, Romania and Poland have reported security incidents involving Russian intelligence, and a Romania F-16 fighter jet destroyed a Russian marine drone near an offshore gas project.
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Ousted Ukrainian defence minister's gamble against Zelenskiy backfires as protests end
Reuters
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Ukraine war briefing: Kyiv protest organiser disowns Mykhailo Fedorov’s call for elections
The Guardian
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Ukraine’s Ex-Defense Minister Calls for Election, Cementing Break With Zelensky
The New York Times
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A rival’s bombshell and a new corruption probe heap untimely pressure on Ukraine’s Zelenskyy
NBC News
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An ex-minister calls on Volodymyr Zelensky to hold elections
The Economist