©picture alliance / Geisler-Fotopress | Bernd Elmenthaler/Geisler-Fotopr
Volodymyr Zelensky has removed his popular defense minister, Mychajlo Fedorov, in a sweeping cabinet reshuffle. This occurred just on the eve of a visit by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to Kyiv.
Fedorov, who had been in office for six months, was considered one of the architects of the modernization of the Ukrainian military and received widespread praise for his role in the fight against corruption and his focus on drones and defense technology. Fedorov himself confirmed his departure on Telegram and called it a “great honor” to serve the Ukrainian people. In his farewell message, he listed a series of achievements: increased drone production, improved weapons supplies, and a reformed procurement system that, according to him, saved billions of dollars for the state treasury. He also highlighted technical advances, including a successful test of a ballistic missile.
During his tenure, the minister earned a reputation as a technological innovator. He worked to disrupt Russian logistics with long-range drones, helped block Russian troops’ access to Starlink, and pushed for more transparent defense procurement. However, according to Ukrainian media, tensions grew with Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky, which is said to have been a contributing factor to his departure. The timing of the decision is causing additional political unrest. Zelensky also wants to appoint a new prime minister, with Serhii Koretskyi, the head of Naftogaz, as the leading candidate. According to lawmakers, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko is being mentioned as a possible successor to Fedorov.
The surprising decision to sideline Fedorov has drawn criticism both at home and abroad. Supporters of Ukraine, including former ambassador Michael McFaul, had called on Zelensky to keep Fedorov in his post. The minister received a great deal of support on social media, while opposition politicians called it a blunder at a crucial moment in the war.
©picture alliance / Geisler-Fotopress | Bernd Elmenthaler/Geisler-Fotopr