Zelenskyy rival Fedorov overplays his hand with election push – POLITICO

Ousted defense chief scored political hits with his criticism of Zelenskyy’s administration — but his call for an election has triggered outrage. Copy Link Copied Share via email Share on X Share on WhatsApp Share on LinkedIn Mykhailo Fedorov looks on during an implementation agreement signing prior to talks with German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius on April 14, 2026 in Berlin, Germany. | Maja Hitij/Getty Images August 19, 2026 9:00 pm CET By Veronika Melkozerova KYIV — Ukraine’s popular former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has emerged as a new rival to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy — but his call for an election is facing immediate blowback.