Zelensky has 'questions to answer' about corruption in his government, sacked minister says

Fedorov asked about Ukraine government corruption claims Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has "questions to answer" about corruption in his government, his sacked defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov has told the BBC. Fedorov, a popular minister who modernised the armed forces and pioneered drone warfare, was fired last month after reportedly falling out with the head of Ukraine's armed forces. He told the BBC a money laundering investigation announced last week raised questions about Zelensky's awareness of potential corruption in his inner circle. Fedorov also reiterated that "democracy should not be the hostage of Putin" - but stopped short of declaring his own political ambitions days after he posted a video calling for elections in Ukraine. Sacked Ukrainian defence minister calls for presidential election Supporters have protested on Kyiv's streets weekly since he was sacked , calling on the president to reinstate him.

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Scoop News DeskUkraine · Published Sunday, August 23, 2026 at 8:02 AM UTCUpdated Monday, August 24, 2026 at 2:45 PM UTC

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You can get this experience for all the assistance that you give us." Fedorov denied having immediate political ambitions but didn't rule out a future run for president. "It will all depend on how soon we'll be able to relaunch this democratic election process, [.] how much energy I would have, whether I will preserve my team, whether I will be able to respond to the question myself, whether I can handle this position of the president or not. "What's more important, is whether people will tell me, yeah, we can trust you handling that position." Zelensky tries to fix crisis over removal of defence minister and counts the cost Zelensky's ex-chief of staff in court as Ukraine corruption probe escalates Watch our pick of standout clips from across the BBC Police officers killed in wrong-way crash mourned in 'unimaginable loss' Mayors to get powers to overrule local councils on planning decisions Trump says Canada wants 'benefits' of being US state after trade talks collapse The hotel booking mix-up that could free mushroom murderer How a new era of he Zelensky has 'questions to answer' about corruption in his government, sacked minister says.

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