Ukraine’s former Defense Minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, is at the center of political debate in the country following his public statements in favor of holding elections, while at the same time he is planning a trip to the United States.
The visit has drawn attention, coming shortly after his statements on the need to create a “legal, safe, and realistic” mechanism that would allow elections to be held in Ukraine even amid the ongoing war.
However, Fedorov’s side denies that the trip is connected to political contacts.
“The Goal Is Funding for Defense Technology”
The former minister’s team clarified to Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne that the main goal of the visit is to attract resources for new programs in the defense technology sector.
“The main purpose of the trip, which is currently being planned, is to attract resources for new projects in the defense technology sector,” Fedorov’s press office said.
According to the same source, no meetings with American politicians or government officials have been scheduled so far.
The Kyiv Independent had earlier reported, citing Ukrainian and American officials, that Fedorov may travel to the US as early as next week.
The Proposal for Elections Amid War
Interest in the visit intensified following the former minister’s recent statements, in which he came out in favor of creating a mechanism that would allow elections to be held in Ukraine through safe and legal procedures, despite the continuation of the war.
In a video message posted on social media, Fedorov said Russia should not be able to determine when Ukrainians will have the chance to elect their government.
“Can Russia really be given the right to dictate when Ukrainians will be able to choose their government again? I am convinced the answer is no,” he said.
For his part, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly argued that elections should take place after the war ends, not during a temporary ceasefire.
No Political Ambitions Announced
Fedorov has not stated that he intends to run for president against Zelensky. In his public statements, he has focused on the need for institutional and political change, advocating for a state “where institutions are stronger than names.”
The British Guardian had suggested that a trip to Washington could be linked to an effort to secure US support for this position. Fedorov’s side, however, maintains that the visit concerns defense technology and securing resources.
Fedorov recently left the Ministry of Defense and was replaced by Yevhen Khmara, whose appointment was approved by the Ukrainian parliament on Wednesday, August 19.
