Ukrainian Leadership Shake-Up: Fedorov Removed as Defense Minister
Zelenskyy fires Ukraine s tech savvy – President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced the removal of Mykhailo Fedorov from his position as Ukraine’s defense minister, marking a significant shift in Kyiv’s wartime administration. Fedorov, who held the post for only half a year, was widely regarded as one of the most capable officials during the ongoing conflict. His tenure was characterized by aggressive modernization efforts, particularly through the deployment of advanced drone technology that helped reverse momentum against Russian forces.
The dismissal occurred amid growing friction between Fedorov and General Oleksandr Syrsky, Ukraine’s traditional military leadership. During a press briefing in the capital on Thursday, Fedorov passionately defended his ministry’s achievements while criticizing Syrsky for obstructing modernization initiatives.
“Instead of figuring out how to defeat Russia asymmetrically, which is the army chief’s task,” he said, “he has figured out how to divide the country.”
Fedorov emphasized that the nature of warfare had fundamentally transformed, making older strategies obsolete. “The war has completely changed,” he noted. “We can’t keep going on what worked back then.”
Acting Defense Minister Appointed
Zelenskyy has named Yevhen Khmara, currently heading Ukraine’s security service, to serve as acting defense minister. Khmara brings substantial experience from his involvement in long-range strike operations targeting Russian oil refineries and supply depots, critical efforts aimed at degrading Moscow’s capacity to sustain the conflict.
Addressing reporters alongside British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Zelenskyy acknowledged the difficulty of the situation. “I wanted unity very much,” Zelenskyy told reporters. “The sides did not find it. And that is not only their problem, but mine as well. I do not absolve myself of responsibility. And I respect the sides, I know their strengths, I know their weaknesses, and I very much want them to strengthen Ukraine. But it is what it is.”
Public and Political Reactions
News of Fedorov’s dismissal sparked immediate demonstrations across Ukrainian cities, with citizens demanding his reinstatement. These protests were anticipated to extend through Friday.
Within government circles, reactions were mixed but largely supportive of Fedorov. Oleksandr Merezhko, a legislator affiliated with Zelenskyy’s party, characterized the appointment of Fedorov as “one of the best decisions Zelenskyy made.” Meanwhile, Pavlo Yelizarov, deputy commander of Ukraine’s air force, announced his resignation via Facebook, describing Fedorov’s removal as “a great blow to the country’s defense capability.”
Fedorov had championed mid-range drone operations to disrupt Russian logistics in Crimea and other occupied regions. Notably, he successfully convinced Elon Musk to deactivate Starlink internet terminals utilized by Russian military units.
Broader Context and Future Appointments
The timing of Fedorov’s dismissal proved particularly significant, arriving mere hours after Ukraine finalized agreements with the European Union to expand domestic drone manufacturing capabilities. Additionally, President Trump had recently consented during NATO’s summit in Turkey to permit Ukraine to manufacture missiles for the American-made Patriot defense system, enhancing Kyiv’s ability to counter Russian ballistic threats.
Ukraine’s parliament has already confirmed Serhii Koretskyi, former chief executive of Naftogaz, as the nation’s new prime minister. Looking ahead, Zelenskyy is expected to nominate Ihor Klymenko, Ukraine’s current interior minister and a former police general with conventional military perspectives, to assume Fedorov’s former role.
In Moscow, Kremlin officials minimized the significance of Fedorov’s departure. Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated, “It doesn’t make any difference who the defense minister is.” Peskov emphasized that Moscow’s primary concern remained Kyiv’s willingness to consider peaceful settlement terms, which include Ukraine’s voluntary cession of additional territory.
Ihor Fedirko, who heads the Ukrainian Council of Defense Industry, praised Fedorov’s contributions: “One of the faces of the modern and technological war, it’s Mykhailo Fedorov. He totally changed the rules. He’s not afraid to take some risk or responsibility.”
Fedorov, who previously directed Ukraine’s digital transformation ministry, also implemented reforms designed to increase transparency in military procurement processes.
NPR’s Charles Maynes contributed reporting from Moscow. Polina Lytvynova contributed to this story from Kyiv.
