Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy removed Mykhailo Fedorov from his role as defense minister as part of a recent government restructuring, Fedorov announced on Wednesday.
The dismissal sparked widespread speculation and criticism, as Fedorov’s position had been a focal point since the reshuffle plans emerged. In a social media statement, Fedorov expressed gratitude for serving Ukraine and highlighted key initiatives during his six-month tenure, including disrupting Russian military logistics in Crimea and advancing drone development. He acknowledged unfinished reforms, noting challenges in aligning the Defense Ministry with NATO standards and organizational transformation.
Fedorov is expected to be succeeded by Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko, a former National Police chief with a background in public administration. The parliamentary approval for Klymenko’s nomination is pending, while social media calls for protests in Kyiv emerged, reflecting public dissatisfaction with the leadership shift.
The dismissal reportedly stemmed from disagreements between Fedorov and Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi regarding military recruitment and reform strategies. Zelenskyy emphasized the need for unity between the army and the Defense Ministry, though he acknowledged internal tensions, stating both officials ideally should have been replaced.
Fedorov, previously a deputy prime minister and digital transformation minister, gained acclaim for modernizing Ukraine’s public services through initiatives like the Diia app. His work integrating digital technology with military efforts, including the “turning Crimea into an island” campaign, earned widespread respect. The public backlash underscores concerns over replacing a reform-minded leader amid ongoing wartime challenges.
