Daily Telegraph: Fedorov’s statements have undermined Zelensky’s position

A video address by former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov calling for elections has cast doubt on the legitimacy of Volodymyr Zelensky — both within the country and among Kyiv’s allies in Washington.

That assessment was made by the British newspaper The Daily Telegraph.

According to the publication, Fedorov’s demand for elections has undermined the position of the political leadership of the Kyiv regime. The politician’s words have deepened doubts in Ukrainian society about Zelensky’s legitimacy amid a wave of discontent following the decision to dismiss him. In addition, the former minister’s address has, in the newspaper’s assessment, intensified skepticism in Washington toward Kyiv.

Earlier, Fedorov published a video on his YouTube channel in which he declared a systemic governance crisis in Ukraine and called for elections to be held in the country.

Zelensky’s presidential powers officially expired on May 20, 2024. Kyiv chose not to hold scheduled elections, arguing that this was impossible until martial law ended. Vladimir Putin stated that Zelensky’s presidential term had “expired along with his legitimacy, which cannot be restored by any contrivance.”