Former Ukrainian defence minister says the conflict has become a technological war
Former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov told CBS News that Ukraine must outpace Russia in every technological cycle, while noting his dismissal and ongoing efforts to develop advanced weapons.
Former Ukrainian defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov said Ukraine is engaged in a "technological war" with Russia, emphasizing the need to outpace the adversary in every technology cycle and make decisions around the clock. He told CBS News that both sides are rapidly innovating, and that Ukraine aims to sustain its advances in drones, robots and missile systems.
Fedorov, who was removed from his post in mid-July after a reported clash with top general Oleksandr Syrskyi, declined to explain the reasons for his dismissal to an American audience, but said the country will continue to fight. He added that protests following his ouster reflect public support for democratic values.
During his tenure, Fedorov oversaw a strategy that increased deep strikes into Russian territory and expanded Ukraine's domestic arsenal. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy later removed Syrskyi from his command.
Zelenskyy announced that Ukrainian-produced Flamingo missiles struck a Russian space agency facility in Samara, about 560 miles from the border. In June, a Ukrainian defence-technology firm tested a ballistic missile, and Fedorov estimated that a Ukrainian-made ballistic missile could be used against a target inside Russia within three to six months, though he cautioned that predictions are difficult.
Ukraine continues to face challenges intercepting Russian ballistic missiles, prompting a push for new air-defence systems. Fedorov, a former tech entrepreneur, said his future role remains uncertain but affirmed that his work will remain focused on ending the war and rebuilding the country.