Estonian MFA Ukraine bureau director: Soldiers on front cannot let politics affect them

In an interview with ERR, Gert Antsu, director of the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Ukraine bureau, discussed the dismissal of Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, which occurred due to a conflict with Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. Antsu believes that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had to resolve the situation by removing one of them, because a country cannot function effectively if the minister and the commander-in-chief are at odds.

Possible reasons include Fedorov's efforts to digitalize the system, his involvement in anti-corruption chains, or his growing popularity. Ukraine has not held elections for over seven years, leading to public frustration. Antsu notes that protests are a sign of democracy, as people express their views outside of elections. The Verkhovna Rada did not approve the president's candidate for defense minister and went on summer break, indicating political sensitivity.

Soldiers on the front and drone operators cannot afford to be shocked by political intrigue – they continue their work because they have no other choice. Antsu does not believe these changes will harm Ukraine's military successes.

The prime minister has also been replaced: Yuliia Svyrydenko was succeeded by Serhiy Koretskyi, who comes from the economic sphere and has proven himself as an experienced manager, having founded the largest coffee chain and led state enterprises.

Regarding Ukraine's integration into the EU and NATO, Antsu says negotiations have started but the reform process is slow. Western attitudes have shifted: Ukraine has become a security provider, and its armed forces are the largest in Europe. However, the pace depends on Ukraine's ability to implement reforms.