August 19, 2026, 05:07 GMT (10:37 AM Sri Lanka local time)
Ukraine’s recently dismissed defence minister has publicly urged the country to hold a presidential election, intensifying political pressure on President Volodymyr Zelensky. The call comes amid mounting criticism of Zelensky’s wartime leadership, with opponents arguing that democratic legitimacy must be reaffirmed as the conflict with Russia grinds on.
The former minister, ousted in a cabinet reshuffle, framed his appeal as a matter of national accountability, insisting that Ukraine’s resilience depends not only on military strength but also on political renewal. His statement has sparked debate within Kyiv’s political circles, where some view the demand as destabilizing during wartime, while others see it as a necessary step to preserve democratic norms.
Analysts note that Zelensky has resisted calls for an election, citing security risks and the logistical impossibility of voting under constant bombardment. Yet the minister’s intervention underscores growing fractures within Ukraine’s leadership, raising questions about how long Zelensky can maintain unity while balancing wartime governance with democratic expectations.
(Sources – BBC)
—Agencies
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