Former Ukrainian defense minister declines alternative government post
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Mykhailo Fedorov said he will not take any role other than defense minister, rejecting President Zelenskyy's offer of a deputy prime minister position for military innovation.
Ukraine's former defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced on Thursday that he will not accept any government position other than the defense ministry, turning down President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's proposal to become deputy prime minister for military innovation. Fedorov, who was dismissed after six months in office, said the defense ministry is one of only three posts that can shape the war’s outcome, alongside the presidency and the chief of the armed forces.
He argued that no other role provides the authority needed to combat procurement corruption, complete the army’s transformation, and conduct asymmetric operations against Russia. Fedorov added that he wants to finish reforms he began in January, which focused on strengthening air defenses, maintaining the front line, and striking Russia’s economy with long-range attacks.
Zelenskyy had earlier indicated that he was willing to keep Fedorov in the cabinet in a different capacity, but the former minister said his departure was tied to a strained relationship with commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, whom he described as part of the military’s old guard.