Mykhailo Fedorov says Zelensky has corruption questions
Sacked Ukrainian defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov tells the BBC that President Volodymyr Zelensky has questions to answer over corruption in his inner circle.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Sacked Ukrainian defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov states Zelensky has questions to answer over government corruption.
- Fedorov was dismissed last month following reports of a falling out with Ukraine's armed forces chief.
- He argues it is his moral right to push for wartime elections despite martial law suspension since 2022.
- Fedorov plans to visit the US to meet Elon Musk and expand Starlink satellite communication capabilities.
Sacked Ukrainian defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov, widely known for modernising the armed forces and pioneering drone warfare, has told the BBC that President Volodymyr Zelensky has "questions to answer" regarding corruption within his government.
Fedorov was dismissed from his post last month following reports of a disagreement with the head of Ukraine's armed forces. He told the broadcaster that a recent money laundering investigation raised serious questions about the president's awareness of potential corruption among his inner circle.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
While maintaining that "democracy should not be the hostage of Putin," Fedorov stopped short of outlining immediate political ambitions, just days after releasing a video calling for democratic elections in Ukraine. Elections have been suspended under martial law since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.
Ukraine's anti-corruption bureau recently uncovered a scheme to misappropriate over $3 million (£2.2m) to pay bail for a former energy minister accused of money laundering, leading to the dismissal of a senior official in Zelensky's office.
"Democracy should not be the hostage of Putin."
Fedorov argued that the case prompts questions about presidential oversight, noting that while he worked to root out procurement corruption during his tenure, illicit practices continue to impact Ukraine's frontline military capacity.
Holding elections during an active wartime state presents immense logistical and security hurdles, including the challenge of safely enfranchising soldiers, millions of refugees abroad, and citizens in Russian-occupied territories. President Zelensky has maintained that holding a vote under current conditions remains too hazardous for the nation.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Looking ahead, Fedorov confirmed plans to visit the United States in the coming weeks to meet with billionaire Elon Musk. He aims to convince Musk to extend Starlink satellite coverage into Russian airspace to assist Ukrainian long-range strikes while preventing Kremlin access.
Source: BBC World
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