Zelenskyy dismisses Defence Minister Fedorov amid conflict with military command

The dismissal of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov was announced by President Zelenskyy during a meeting with the Servant of the People faction on July 15. According to sources, Zelenskyy explained that the conflict between Fedorov and Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi had become unsustainable. Fedorov advocated for digitisation and technological reforms in the military, while the General Staff preferred traditional methods. The tension escalated into open clashes at staff meetings, and the generals eventually issued an ultimatum demanding Fedorov's removal.

Zelenskyy stated that he could not have both the Defence Ministry and the General Staff in conflict during wartime. He noted that Fedorov had also failed to deliver promised mobilisation reforms. The president decided to keep the current military leadership, believing that change could not happen simultaneously on both sides.

The broader government reshuffle followed the resignation of Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko's cabinet on July 14. The new defence minister is expected to be Ihor Klymenko, formerly interior minister. Ivan Vyhivskyi, head of the National Police, is the leading candidate to replace Klymenko as interior minister. The economy and environment ministry will be split; Oleksandr Kravchenko is nominated for economy minister, and Taras Vysotskyi for agriculture. Vitalii Bezhin is likely to head the Ministry for Community and Territory Development, while Mykola Kalashnyk may become minister for recovery and infrastructure. The Ministry of Digital Transformation is expected to be led by Oksana Ferchuk.

Several current ministers retained their posts, but Fedorov was left out. Zelenskyy described the decision as difficult, acknowledging that Fedorov had been a close ally. The faction meeting lasted late into the evening, with Fedorov's fate being the primary concern for MPs.