Former Defence Minister Fyodorov called for elections to be held in Ukraine, stating that Russia should not decide when Ukrainians can elect their government. He emphasised that democracy cannot be held hostage by Russia, and linked the systemic crisis in public administration to the cost of corruption in military procurement.
Briefly about the main points
- Fedorov spoke in favour of holding elections in Ukraine.
- He rejected Russia’s right to influence the timing of the vote.
- The former minister spoke of a systemic crisis in public administration.
- Professionalism, he said, should take precedence over personal loyalty.
- Corruption deprives the armed forces of the equipment they need.
The right to vote and martial law
Mikhail Fedorov stated that Ukrainians must not allow To Putin to determine when they will be able to elect their own government. In his view, even a protracted war cannot be taken to mean that Russia has the de facto right to set the timetable for a return to the electoral process.
Current legislation prohibits presidential, parliamentary and local elections during the period of martial law. At the same time, in January, the Central Electoral Commission approved proposals for special regulations governing post-war national elections; these provide for at least six months’ preparation following the termination or lifting of martial law, but do not constitute current law.
Criticism of the leadership and the consequences of corruption for the armed forces
The former minister spoke of a systemic crisis in the running of the state and emphasised that professionalism must take precedence over personal loyalty. «Ukraine’s problem certainly does not lie with the Ukrainian people. Our people have long been ready for a different country. Now our state must become worthy of its people,» he said.
Fedorov described corruption during the war as more than just a financial loss. According to him, it results in the military being denied drones, ammunition, electronic warfare equipment and other military hardware.
