Zelensky stronger in Ukraine than ever: the main rival in complete collapse

Ukrainian President Zelensky is strengthening his position while his main political rival, former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, collapses after calling for elections in the midst of the war against Russia. Parliament approved his replacement, and the protest demonstrations in support of Fedorov have dissipated.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is strengthening his political position, while his main rival, former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, experiences a complete collapse. Fedorov, who was praised for promoting technological reforms and innovative warfare against Russia, was dismissed from his post. Thousands protested for weeks demanding his reinstatement, claiming his dismissal jeopardizes the war effort. Fedorov refused a compromise offer to serve as Deputy Prime Minister and warned of a governance crisis. However, when he called for going to the polls in the fifth year of the war, he encountered opposition from his supporters. The Ukrainian parliament approved the appointment of his replacement, former special forces commander Yevgeny Khamara. The protests quickly dissipated, and the main protest organizer announced their end, clarifying that he cannot imagine holding elections when hundreds of thousands of soldiers are stationed on the front line. Analysts described Fedorov's move as a "premature leap" that burned his political capital. Polls show that 57% of citizens want elections only after the war ends.