A sacked former Ukrainian defence minister has told the BBC that President Volodymyr Zelensky has 'questions to answer' about corruption in his government and has called for elections to be held during wartime.
Key facts
- A sacked former Ukrainian defence minister spoke to the BBC.
- The minister said Zelensky has 'questions to answer' about corruption in his government.
- The minister said Zelensky should be asked what he knew about government corruption.
- The former minister called for wartime elections to be held in Ukraine.
Ukraine’s sacked former defence minister has said President Volodymyr Zelensky has “questions to answer” about corruption within his government, according to the BBC.
In comments reported by the BBC, the former minister said Zelensky should be asked what he knew about government corruption. The remarks place scrutiny directly on the president over allegations of wrongdoing among officials.
The former defence minister also called for elections to be held in Ukraine, specifically wartime elections, according to the BBC’s reporting. Holding elections during wartime is a contentious issue, and the minister’s call adds to public debate over the question.
The BBC published its account of the interview on 23 August 2026, with the reporting emphasising both the corruption allegations and the demand for elections.
Beyond these points, the source material does not detail the specific nature of the alleged corruption, the identity of the former minister, or the circumstances of their dismissal. No response from President Zelensky or his office is included in the available reporting.
Why it matters
Accusations of corruption from a former senior official raise questions about accountability at the top of Ukraine's wartime government. The call for elections during wartime touches on a politically sensitive debate about democratic legitimacy while the country is at war.
Frequently asked questions
What did the sacked minister say about Zelensky?
According to the BBC, the former defence minister said Zelensky has 'questions to answer' about corruption in his government and should be asked what he knew about government corruption.
Did the former minister call for elections?
Yes. The BBC reported that the former defence minister called for elections, specifically wartime elections, to be held in Ukraine.
Who made these claims?
The claims were made by Ukraine's sacked former defence minister in an interview with the BBC. The available sources do not name the individual.