Mykhailo Fedorov, who was dismissed as Ukraine’s defence minister last month, has stated in an interview with the BBC that President Volodymyr Zelensky bears responsibility for addressing questions about corruption awareness within his administration. Fedorov’s comments follow the announcement of a money laundering investigation that uncovered a scheme involving the misappropriation of over $3 million in Ukrainian currency to pay bail for a former energy minister. A senior official in Zelensky’s office, allegedly involved in the scheme, was subsequently dismissed.
The former minister acknowledged that he had not received direct evidence of personal corruption from the president during his tenure and clarified he has had no contact with Zelensky for approximately two weeks. A presidential spokesperson responded to the allegations by noting that Fedorov had been part of successive governments since 2019 and questioned why he was only raising these concerns now. Fedorov maintained that despite his criticisms, democratic discussion of such issues remains essential, even during wartime.
Fedorov has also reignited debate over holding elections in Ukraine, arguing that wartime democracy requires the ability to conduct democratic processes. He posted a video calling for elections and has stated it is his “moral right” to initiate such discussions. President Zelensky has opposed holding elections during the ongoing conflict, characterizing them as a potential security threat that could destabilize the nation. Experts have identified numerous practical obstacles to conducting wartime elections, including difficulties in securing votes from soldiers, displaced refugees, and residents of occupied territories.
The former minister, credited with modernizing Ukraine’s armed forces and pioneering drone warfare strategy, confirmed plans to visit the United States in coming weeks with the goal of meeting technology leaders. He also criticized delays in weapons deliveries from supporting nations, describing bureaucratic processes in countries including Britain as impediments to timely provision of military equipment. Fedorov stated he would continue advocating for Ukraine’s defense priorities regardless of his current ministerial status.
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