Mykhailo Fedorov, recently dismissed as Ukraine's defence minister, has rejected alternative roles offered by President Zelensky and demands reinstatement. His removal sparked mass protests and prompted Zelensky to sack Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. Supporters credit Fedorov with data-driven reforms, the Army of Drones initiative and anti-corruption measures; he says his team had a plan prioritising air defence, front stabilisation and strikes on Russia's economy. Yevhenii Khmara now leads the defence ministry, while talks over Fedorov's future continue.
Ousted Defence Minister Fedorov Rejects New Role — Demands Reinstatement as Protests Mount
The battle of wills between Fedorov (left) and Zelensky (right) remains unresolved - at least for now [Reuters]
Mykhailo Fedorov, the recently dismissed Ukrainian defence minister, has declined offers of alternative posts in President Volodymyr Zelensky's administration and insists he must be reinstated to his former role.
Fedorov thanked the president but argued that, apart from soldiers at the front, only three state positions shape the course of the war: the president, the defence minister and the commander-in-chief. Zelensky said he had offered several options, including the role of deputy prime minister for military innovation, but Fedorov turned them down.
Public Backlash and Leadership Changes
Fedorov's removal last week — despite broad praise for his modernization efforts — triggered large street protests across Ukraine. Under public pressure, President Zelensky later dismissed Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi after reported conflicts between Syrskyi and Fedorov. Syrskyi had played a prominent role defending Kyiv during the opening days of Russia's 2022 full-scale invasion, but critics say his leadership style was resistant to the rapid reforms many proponents now demand.
Yevhenii Khmara, a former senior official at the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), has been appointed as Fedorov's replacement as defence minister. Separately, Mykhailo Drapatyi has been named the new commander-in-chief.
Fedorov's removal triggered streets protests across Ukraine [EPA]
Fedorov's Case and His Record
In a statement distributed to journalists, Fedorov said that upon his appointment in January he and his team implemented a focused plan to end the war, prioritising air protection, stabilising the front lines and striking Russia's economic infrastructure. 'For six months, we have consistently implemented this very plan,' he said, arguing that Ukraine has begun to seize the initiative on the battlefield and created 'a window of opportunity to force Russia into peace through strength.'
Fedorov — credited by supporters with data-driven reforms, the Army of Drones initiative and anti-corruption efforts within defence structures — says he is not seeking personal status but the ability to influence outcomes and accelerate Ukraine's victory. His supporters in the streets insist that his continued removal undermines those efforts and have vowed to keep demonstrating until he is reinstated.
Debate Over Credit and Next Steps
Some observers caution against attributing all recent operational gains solely to Fedorov, noting that certain long- and medium-range strike capabilities were planned before his tenure and under Syrskyi's command. Nonetheless, many Ukrainians continue to view Fedorov as a driving force for innovation.
Presidential adviser Dmytro Lytvyn said talks about Fedorov's future are ongoing and that it would be inappropriate to release details now. It remains unclear whether negotiations will resume or whether the political standoff — and the protests — will persist.
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