Ukraine dismisses defense minister amid concerns over aid coordination
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President Volodymyr Zelensky removed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, prompting protests and raising worries among officials that the change could disrupt Western military assistance.
President Volodymyr Zelensky unexpectedly dismissed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, the fourth holder of the post since Russia’s full-scale invasion began. The move sparked street protests and surprised several foreign partners, who had recently signed defence agreements with Fedorov.
Fedorov, a former technology minister, had overseen modernisation efforts, expanded Ukraine’s drone capabilities and cultivated personal contacts with Western officials that helped accelerate deliveries of military aid. EU Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius described the dismissal as a "big surprise," while German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius and the EU’s envoy in Kyiv also expressed positive assessments of his work.
Inside the ministry, staff reported uncertainty and a rise in resignations, saying frequent leadership changes have stalled projects. Analysts warned that the abrupt vacancy could slow ongoing negotiations for additional Patriot air-defence systems, which Ukraine urgently needs as its stockpiles dwindle. The country is pursuing further Patriot deliveries through NATO’s PURL programme and a U.S. Jumpstart mechanism, but production shortfalls and competing demands have limited supplies.
Fedorov had also secured a reported $40 billion in military aid for the year and built direct links with senior executives at U.S. technology firms, including a channel with Elon Musk that facilitated restrictions on Russian use of Starlink. After his removal, the president’s office reportedly sought new intermediaries to maintain communication with Musk.
The defence ministry is currently led on an interim basis by former security service chief Yevhenii Khmara, who has not been formally appointed. A permanent appointment is expected after the parliamentary recess ends on Aug. 18. Critics argue that repeated turnovers risk eroding the trust and continuity that Western partners rely on for sustained assistance.