Zelensky dismisses Defense Minister Fedorov after six months in office
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov after six months, with Ihor Klymenko expected to replace him. Meanwhile, the Verkhovna Rada has accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, and a new government is expected to be announced on July 16.
Ukraine's Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov will leave his post, according to Verkhovna Rada deputies Olha Vasylevska-Smahliuk and Yaroslav Zheleznyak. The deputies reported that Ihor Klymenko will be offered the position. No official announcement has been made yet, but Fedorov effectively confirmed his departure on social media, writing: "It was a great honor to serve the Ukrainian people as defense minister."
At a meeting with Servant of the People lawmakers, Ukraine's president gave two reasons for firing Fedorov, a source told RBC-Ukraine: he and Commander in Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi did not see the war the same way, and he was not coordinating state purchases with the General Staff.
The Verkhovna Rada on July 14 accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko. A new cabinet is expected to be announced on Thursday, July 16. Ukrainian media report that Naftohaz chief Serhiy Koretsky is the leading candidate for the prime minister's post.
Mykhailo Fedorov was appointed defense minister in January 2026, meaning he served for about six months.
