- Ukraine's former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov has directly challenged President Volodymyr Zelensky by calling for wartime elections.
- In a video address, Mr Fedorov warned that Ukraine faces a systemic crisis of governance and argued democracy cannot be held hostage by Russia.
- Mr Zelensky has previously ruled out holding elections during wartime until a ceasefire is agreed with Russia and security guarantees are in place.
- Mr Fedorov was dismissed as defence chief in July following a rift with military commanders, triggering ongoing public protests calling for his reinstatement.
- Recent polling indicates that Mr Fedorov would comfortably beat Mr Zelensky in a direct presidential contest.
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