Zelensky has 'questions to answer' on corruption, Mykhailo Fedorov tells BBC

Key Points:

• Former Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, sacked last month, told the BBC that President Volodymyr Zelensky has "questions to answer" regarding corruption within his government, following a recent money laundering investigation involving senior officials.
• Fedorov, credited with modernizing Ukraine's armed forces and pioneering drone warfare, called for discussions about holding elections during wartime, arguing that democracy should not be held hostage by the conflict with Russia, despite Ukraine being under martial law.
• Zelensky has opposed wartime elections, citing risks of national division and logistical challenges for soldiers, refugees, and residents in occupied territories, while experts highlight concerns about Russian disinformation.
• Fedorov denied direct evidence of personal corruption by Zelensky but emphasized ongoing corruption issues affecting Ukraine's frontline capacity and criticized bureaucratic delays in delivering military aid from Western allies like the UK.
• The former minister plans to continue supporting Ukraine's defense innovation and aims to meet with Elon Musk to discuss expanding Starlink satellite technology to enhance Ukrainian military operations against Russia.