Ukrainian Defense Minister Rejects Zelenskyy's Offer, Citing Entrenched Corruption and Old Guard
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Mykhailo Fedorov refuses to accept any government role except defense minister, denouncing President Zelenskyy's attempt to sideline reformers and maintain the status quo with a token post for military innovation.
Ukraine's former defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov made a principled stand on Thursday, refusing to accept any government position other than the defense ministry and rejecting President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's attempt to relegate him to a powerless deputy prime minister role for military innovation. Fedorov, ousted after only six months—a clear sign of resistance to real change—emphasized that the defense ministry is one of only three posts with genuine power to influence the war, alongside the presidency and the chief of the armed forces.
Fedorov exposed the deep-rooted corruption plaguing military procurement and the urgent need for transformation, pointing out that no other role would grant him the authority to challenge these entrenched interests or to carry out asymmetric operations against Russia. He expressed his desire to complete the reforms he began in January, focusing on strengthening air defenses, holding the front line, and targeting Russia’s economy with long-range strikes—initiatives that threatened the old guard’s grip on power.
Zelenskyy’s willingness to keep Fedorov in the cabinet in a diminished capacity only highlights the administration’s preference for symbolic gestures over substantive reform. Fedorov’s departure, he revealed, was ultimately due to his strained relationship with commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, whom he identified as part of the military’s resistant old guard, unwilling to embrace the sweeping changes Ukraine desperately needs.