Former Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called for Ukraine to hold elections even while the country is at war with Russia. Fedorov made the comments in a video posted online. He said Ukraine must remain a democratic and free European country and argued that democracy should not become a victim of the war. Ukraine has been under martial law since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Under Ukrainian law, national elections cannot be held while martial law remains in place. Because of this, presidential elections that would normally have taken place after President Volodymyr Zelensky's five-year term ended in May 2024 have not been held. Fedorov did not directly say that he wants to run against Zelensky. However, his call for elections is being seen as one of the strongest political challenges to Zelensky since the beginning of the full-scale war. Fedorov, 35, was unexpectedly removed as defence minister last month after serving in the position for only about six months. His dismissal caused protests in parts of Ukraine, with some people demanding that he be returned to the defence ministry. The former minister became popular because of his focus on technology, drones and modern military systems. Before becoming defence minister, he served as Ukraine's minister of digital transformation and became known for using technology to support the country's war effort. During the war, Fedorov helped create the "IT Army of Ukraine", a volunteer cyber group that carried out attacks against Russian targets. He also helped develop Ukraine's Army of Drones programme, which raised money and provided drones to Ukrainian forces. As defence minister, he continued to focus heavily on drones and modern technology. He also pushed for changes in military procurement and tried to fight corruption. His removal from the defence ministry was followed by protests. Some supporters believed he had brought new ideas and energy to Ukraine's military leadership. Fedorov has now moved beyond the issue of his own job and is calling for wider political changes. In his video, he said Ukraine needs a legal, safe and realistic way to restore the country's democratic process even if the war continues for a long time. He also warned about what he described as a crisis in Ukraine's government. According to Fedorov, people could lose trust in the government if they believe that political appointments are based mainly on personal loyalty rather than ability, results and professionalism. His comments have divided opinion in Ukraine. Some politicians and supporters of Zelensky argue that holding elections during a major war would be extremely difficult and dangerous. Ukraine continues to face Russian missile and drone attacks, and millions of Ukrainians are either displaced inside the country or living abroad. Supporters of the current government also argue that elections could create political divisions at a time when Ukraine needs unity to continue fighting Russia. One Ukrainian lawmaker, Oleksandr Merezhko, said he supported Fedorov's return to the defence ministry but considered his election proposal dangerous and unrealistic. He argued that elections during the war could weaken Ukraine and benefit Russia. However, opposition politician Volodymyr Aryev supports the idea of political change. He argued that Ukraine may eventually have to choose between holding elections and facing a deeper political crisis. The issue is also connected to Zelensky's presidency. His five-year term officially ended in May 2024, but Ukrainian law allows him to remain in office while martial law prevents elections from being held. Zelensky has previously said that Ukraine is ready to hold elections if the necessary security conditions can be guaranteed. He has also said that elections could take place relatively quickly if Ukraine's international partners helped provide security. However, organizing a nationwide election during the war would be extremely difficult. Russian attacks could threaten polling stations, while millions of Ukrainians are living away from their homes. There would also be questions about how citizens serving in the military, living in occupied territories or residing abroad could safely participate. The debate comes as fighting between Russia and Ukraine remains intense. Russia continues to launch missile and drone attacks against Ukrainian cities, while Ukraine has increased its long-range drone strikes against targets inside Russia. In one recent Russian attack, four people were killed when a drone hit a minibus in the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson. Ukrainian attacks have also caused deaths and injuries in Russia, according to Russian officials. For now, there is no clear sign that Ukraine will immediately hold a presidential election. Fedorov has not announced that he plans to challenge Zelensky personally. Instead, he is presenting his argument as a wider call for stronger democratic institutions and political reform. His intervention nevertheless puts new pressure on Zelensky at a difficult time. Ukraine must continue its war against Russia while also dealing with questions about corruption, government performance, military leadership and public trust. The biggest question is whether Ukraine can find a safe and legal way to restore elections while the war continues. For now, martial law remains in place, meaning elections remain suspended.