Ukraine’s sacked defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov says President Volodymyr Zelensky has “questions to answer” over corruption allegations involving people close to his government. The former minister stopped short of accusing Zelensky personally of wrongdoing, but said a major money-laundering investigation raised serious questions about what the president knew about potential corruption inside his inner circle. Corruption probe puts pressure on Zelensky Ukraine’s anti-corruption authorities say they uncovered a scheme involving more than $3m allegedly diverted to pay bail for a former energy minister accused of money laundering. A senior Zelensky aide alleged to have been involved was subsequently dismissed. Fedorov said the case demanded answers from the president. “I don’t want to make any assumptions,” he told the BBC, insisting Zelensky should explain whether he was aware of what was happening. Zelensky’s office hit back, pointing out that Fedorov had served in governments since 2019 and questioning why he had not previously made such statements. Election debate explodes after minister’s dismissal Fedorov’s intervention comes days after he called for Ukraine to restart discussion about elections. Voting has been suspended under martial law since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. He said Ukrainians should not be afraid to debate the issue, warning that if elections were never held, “then we are no longer a democracy”. Supporters had staged weekly protests demanding his reinstatement, although the demonstrations ended after his replacement was confirmed. Fedorov denied having immediate political ambitions but refused to rule out a future presidential bid. The drone pioneer is already looking beyond Kyiv Despite the political fallout, Fedorov says he intends to remain focused on Ukraine’s war effort. He is credited with expanding the country’s drone capabilities and helping develop long-range systems used against Russian military and energy targets. He also plans to visit the United States and hopes to meet Elon Musk, seeking further technological support for Ukraine’s battlefield communications. Fedorov criticised delays in weapons deliveries from Western allies, including Britain, arguing that Ukraine needs direct investment in modern drone production rather than outdated equipment. His dismissal may have ended his role in government. It has not ended his influence — or the questions now hanging over Ukraine’s political leadership. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwy4ypzvd7po
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