Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Calls for Wartime Elections

International · 2026-08-19 23:17:43

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Mykhailo Fedorov, 35, a former Ukrainian defense minister fired in late July, has called for wartime elections in a video posted to YouTube. The appeal challenges President Volodymyr Zelensky as protests spread over Fedorov's dismissal. Elections remain suspended under martial law imposed after Russia's invasion in February 2022.

A Russian court sentenced Lev Schlosberg to more than 11 years in prison on August 17 for criticizing Russia's war in Ukraine. Schlosberg is a member of the Yabloko party.

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