Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s former defence minister, has declined an offer from President Volodymyr Zelensky to accept an alternative position in government, stating he will only consider returning to his original post. Zelensky had offered Fedorov several roles, including deputy prime minister for military innovation, but Fedorov rejected these alternatives in a statement released mid-week. The 35-year-old official argued that only three positions significantly determine the course of the war: president, defence minister, and commander-in-chief.
Fedorov’s removal last week sparked widespread public protest and led to broader military leadership changes. Following the backlash, Zelensky dismissed commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, who had been at odds with Fedorov. Demonstrators have vowed to continue protesting until Fedorov is reinstated as defence minister, indicating his departure remains a contentious issue. Presidential adviser Dmytro Lytvyn indicated that discussions regarding Fedorov’s future were ongoing, though details were not being disclosed publicly.
Fedorov has been widely credited with significant military reforms and innovations, including pioneering the Army of Drones initiative and implementing data-driven strategies that improved Ukrainian forces’ battlefield performance. In his statement, he detailed a strategic plan developed when he assumed office in January, focusing on air defence, front-line stabilisation, and economic strikes against Russia. He stated his team had successfully implemented this plan over six months, creating what he described as a window of opportunity to negotiate peace from a position of strength.
Syrskyi, the dismissed 60-year-old commander, had been instrumental in Kyiv’s defence during the initial Russian invasion. However, many Ukrainians view him as reluctant to implement necessary military reforms. Zelensky has since appointed Mykhailo Drapatyi as the new commander-in-chief, while Yevhenii Khmara, a former Security Service official, replaced Fedorov as defence minister. Despite these changes, Fedorov’s stance suggests the dispute over military leadership remains unresolved, with many Ukrainians continuing to regard him as essential to Ukraine’s defence efforts.
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