Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Ukraine’s Ex-Defense Minister Plans US Visit After Election Call
Mykhailo Fedorov, a former Ukrainian defense minister, may travel to the United States soon.
He recently said Ukraine should find a safe and legal way to hold elections during the war.
He also accused the government of corruption and other serious problems.
Ukraine currently has martial law because it is fighting Russia.
The constitution does not allow elections during martial law.
Ukrainian lawmakers and many people in the country do not support holding an election now.
Some people wonder whether Fedorov wants help from Donald Trump’s allies.
However, nobody knows exactly why Fedorov plans to visit or what he will do there.
Ousted Ukrainian defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov may visit the United States as early as next week.
Fedorov recently called for a legal mechanism to restore elections during the ongoing war.
He accused President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s government of systemic failures and widespread corruption.
Ukraine’s constitution bars elections under martial law, and Ukrainian lawmakers have rejected Fedorov’s proposal.
Some observers speculate Fedorov could seek support from Donald Trump’s allies, but his visit’s purpose remains unclear.
- Who
- Ousted Ukrainian defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukrainian lawmakers, and potential US political contacts.
- What
- Fedorov is reportedly planning a US visit after calling for elections during Ukraine’s ongoing war and criticizing the government.
- When
- The visit could occur as early as next week; no exact date was provided.
- Where
- The reported visit would be to the United States, while the election debate concerns Ukraine.
- Why
- The visit’s purpose and itinerary are unclear; it follows Fedorov’s criticism of the government and call to restore a democratic process during wartime.
Supporters of a Wartime Election
Opponents of a Wartime Election
Holding elections during the war
Supporters of a Wartime Election
Mykhailo Fedorov argues that democracy should not be treated as a peacetime luxury and says Ukraine should create a legal and safe mechanism for restoring a full democratic process.
Opponents of a Wartime Election
Ukrainian lawmakers argue that an election campaign would expose the country to risks and could benefit Vladimir Putin. One lawmaker said a fierce campaign could “bury the country.”
Political legitimacy and leadership
Supporters of a Wartime Election
Fedorov’s position challenges Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s government and presents elections as a way to preserve Ukraine as a free European state.
Opponents of a Wartime Election
Ukrainian officials and lawmakers say wartime elections could make Ukraine vulnerable, while the broader public response to the proposal has reportedly been underwhelming.
- Reported traveler
- Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s ousted defense minister
- Potential timing
- As early as next week
- Main proposal
- Find a legal, safe, and realistic way to restore elections during the war
- Legal obstacle
- Ukraine’s constitution bars elections under martial law
- Government criticism
- Fedorov accused the government of systemic failures and widespread corruption
- Domestic response
- Government and opposition MPs have rejected the call for a wartime election
- Related figures
- Donald Trump and his allies have also called for an election in Ukraine
- US visit details
- Its purpose and itinerary remain unclear