Mykhailo Fedorov, former Ukrainian Defense Minister, accepted a position as defense innovation adviser to Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto as of 28 August 2026, while remaining based in Ukraine. Fedorov committed to advising Italy on modern warfare technologies and defense sector adaptation.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy detailed his disagreement with dismissed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov on August 23–24, 2026, over Fedorov's involvement in mass protests and calls for a presidential election during wartime. Zelenskyy characterized Fedorov's actions as misguided amid ongoing conflict.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy disclosed on August 23, 2026, a disagreement with dismissed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, saying some of his actions—including involvement in protests and calls for elections—were misguided.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on August 23, 2026, that wartime elections would pose a 'huge risk' to Ukraine after his former Defence Minister called for a ballot. He also reported Russian plans to mobilize hundreds of thousands of troops.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on August 23–24, 2026, that holding elections during Russia's invasion would 'destroy' and 'split' Ukraine, rejecting his former Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov's call for a wartime ballot. Ukraine suspended elections under martial law.
Former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov detailed allegations of widespread corruption within Ukraine's Defense Ministry in a Channel 24 interview released on August 22, 2026, reiterating his calls for elections. The interview marked a significant critique of institutional malfeasance during wartime.
On August 21, 2026, former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced plans to visit the United States to raise funding for new defense technology projects and meet with the Eastern Europe Foundation. His team denied the trip was politically motivated, framing it as business-focused after his removal from office.
Former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov released a video on August 18, 2026, calling for elections in Ukraine and becoming the most high-profile person to publicly advocate for them during wartime. Ukrainian soldiers reacted skeptically to the proposal, which breaks a major political taboo during the ongoing conflict.
On August 18–21, 2026, Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine's ousted defense minister and a longtime Zelenskyy ally, called for wartime elections as the largest internal challenge to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy since Russia's 2022 invasion. By August 20–21, his bid collapsed as supporting protests disbanded and key supporters disowned the call, with the Kremlin meanwhile exploiting the controversy to highlight divisions in Ukrainian leadership.
Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine's popular former defence minister sacked in July 2026, called for wartime presidential elections on 19 August, arguing the nation faced a governance crisis. His video address came hours after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy nominated Yevhen Khmara as his replacement, formally ending speculation of Fedorov's return.
Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine's recently fired defense minister, called for democratic elections, arguing Russia should not determine when Ukrainians vote. The statement deepens his break with President Zelensky.