Kyiv: A former defense minister, whose removal from office last month led to public protests, delivered a video address to Ukrainians, criticizing wartime corruption and warning of a systemic crisis in governance. He also emphasized the need for elections despite the ongoing Russian invasion.
According to Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty, Mykhaylo Fedorov's comments were made on August 18, just hours after lawmakers reported that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had asked for the confirmation of acting Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara. This move could increase pressure on Zelenskyy, who has faced corruption scandals and questions regarding his recent personnel changes. Despite these challenges, he remains popular and was elected to a five-year term in 2019, although no elections have been held due to martial law enacted since Russia's invasion in February 2022.
Fedorov emphasized that democracy should not be hindered by the conflict with Russia, stating, "We are fighting precisely because we want to remain a free European state." He urged the creation of a legal and secure mechanism to restore democratic processes. He stressed the importance of facilitating voting for the military and Ukrainians abroad, ensuring the electoral process's security, and maintaining trust in its outcome.
He described wartime corruption as a significant issue for Ukraine's survival and victory, suggesting a crisis in governance. He criticized the government for failing to be transparent with society, highlighting the need for a social contract where citizens trust the state, and the state communicates openly.
Fedorov was dismissed amid a conflict with General Oleksandr Syrskiy, who was also removed shortly after. The Ukrainian parliament announced that Zelenskyy had nominated Khmara, a major general, to be the new defense minister. A vote on Khmara's nomination and the renomination of Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha is expected soon, following the cabinet's resignation after Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko was dismissed.
The shakeups occur as Ukraine defends itself against Russia's invasion and faces shortages of air-defense missiles, exacerbated by the reduced supply of US-made Patriot systems due to the US-Israeli war with Iran.
Russian missile attacks in the Kharkiv region killed 10 people and injured eight, according to Oleh Synyehubov, head of the regional military administration. The International Atomic Energy Agency reported a drone strike at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant, causing fatalities but no nuclear safety damage. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi urged an end to actions threatening nuclear safety. Russia blamed Ukraine for the drone attack, with no immediate response from Kyiv.
The Zaporizhzhya plant, Europe's largest nuclear facility, has been a focal point of conflict, with both sides accusing each other of threatening its safety. In another incident, a Russian drone attack on a farm in the region resulted in casualties.