Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Fedorov to become adviser to Italy's defense minister

Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced that he has agreed to a proposal from Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto to become his adviser on defense innovation. He revealed this during a meeting with Crosetto, according to Ukrainska Pravda.

On social media, Fedorov said he and his team had begun an international trip dedicated to advancing new projects in digitalization and defense technology. The first meeting was with Italy's defense minister, and Fedorov thanked Crosetto for his personal support and trust.

Fedorov explained that in his new role he would help Italy develop modern warfare technologies, strengthen its defense sector, and adapt to new global security challenges. He stressed that Ukraine and his team possess unique experience in technological warfare that they are ready to share with partners, but that his main priority remains unchanged — continuing his work in Ukraine on projects that strengthen the country's defense and attract international resources.

During the meeting, the two discussed drones, autonomous systems, air defense, and the development of a defense-tech ecosystem. Fedorov said the future of defense belongs to countries able to quickly test and scale new solutions by combining technology with strong manufacturing capacity, adding that Ukraine's experience could serve as the basis for a new European defense model. He noted that further meetings with partners on digitalization and defense technology projects are planned during the trip.

Background

Fedorov announced his departure from the post of Ukraine's defense minister on July 15, citing disagreements with Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi as one of the reasons. Following his announcement, protests broke out in several Ukrainian cities against President Volodymyr Zelensky's decision to dismiss the minister. On July 22, Syrskyi was removed from his post by Zelensky's decision, with Mykhailo Drapaty appointed in his place. On August 19, Ukraine's parliament confirmed Yevhen Khmara as the new defense minister. Fedorov had also proposed holding elections in Ukraine before the end of the war with Russia, to which Zelensky responded that such elections would be a tsunami that would split Ukraine apart.