Zelenskyy dismisses reformer Fedorov as defense minister in government reshuffle

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov as part of a government reshuffle, an MP from the ruling Servant of the People party told POLITICO. Fedorov, who had been in office for only six months, was seen as a reformer who brought technological innovation to the military but clashed with Commander-in-Chief Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi and other top generals. According to the MP, the reasons are “obvious: conflict with army command and failed military mobilization reform.” The MP added that Fedorov only imitated reforms.

Fedorov confirmed his resignation on Facebook, saying he would continue working for the mission. His supporters, including prominent military volunteer Maria Berlinska, called his dismissal a fatal mistake that will cost Ukraine dearly. A protest is planned in Kyiv on Thursday.

During his tenure, Fedorov persuaded SpaceX to disable Starlink terminals used by Russian forces and pushed a drone strike campaign targeting rear areas. However, he failed to significantly improve mobilization, and many officials found him arrogant and difficult to work with. Zelenskyy, a longtime ally, had recently cooled on him.

Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko is the most likely candidate to replace Fedorov. The new government is expected to be submitted to parliament on Thursday.