Ukraine's Defense Minister Fedorov to resign; Interior Minister Klymenko tipped as successor
Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov is stepping down, with Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko reportedly set to replace him. The resignation follows disagreements with the commander-in-chief and coordination issues with the General Staff.
Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s Minister of Defense, is leaving his post, according to Ukrainian media and his own social media confirmation. While no official announcement has been made, Fedorov wrote on social media that serving the Ukrainian people was a great honor, effectively acknowledging his resignation. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko has been proposed as his likely successor.
Citing sources from RBK-Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky explained the decision to lawmakers from the Servant of the People faction, pointing to two main reasons: differing views on the conduct of the war with Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky, and a lack of coordination in state procurement with the General Staff.
The leadership change is part of a broader government reshuffle. The Verkhovna Rada accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Yuliia Svydenko on July 14. A new cabinet is expected to be announced on Thursday, July 16. Ukrainian media have identified Naftogaz head Serhiy Koretsky as the leading candidate for prime minister.
Fedorov was appointed defense minister in January 2026. President Zelensky has indicated that Fedorov will remain part of his team, though no specific role has been disclosed.
