The western Ukrainian city of Lviv, on Saturday, called for elections and a change of government as political tensions continue during the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Residents expressed their views on the situation in the country. 

The demand follows weeks of protests in Ukrainian cities triggered by President Volodymyr Zelensky's decision to dismiss defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov in July.

"Everyone knows the situation is very difficult. Everyone is trying; everyone is waiting for all this to end. But it seems to me that the authorities are not striving for this, because they are built on corruption, and it benefits them. And everyone knows this."

"To be honest, in my opinion, if the previous government had remained, there would have been no war at all. Poroshenko would not have allowed this. Say what you will, but I supported Poroshenko, I will say honestly, and I was against Zelensky. And if Poroshenko had been there, it seems to me he would not have allowed this."

Another resident said elections should eventually have taken place, while acknowledging the difficulties of holding a vote during the fighting.

Fedorov's dismissal on July 15 after six months as defence minister triggered rare demonstrations in Ukrainian cities.

Protesters initially demanded Fedorov's reinstatement, but subsequent rallies broadened into calls for greater dialogue with the authorities, reforms to defence and veterans' policy, and tougher action against corruption.

The political dispute escalated when earlier this month, Fedorov called for Ukraine to find a 'legal, safe and realistic mechanism' to hold elections during the conflict.

Ukraine held its last elections in 2019. Under regular cycles, parliamentary elections were due in October 2023, and presidential elections were scheduled for spring 2024. Both were postponed following the declaration of martial law.