Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto invited recently dismissed Ukrainian minister Mykhailo Fedorov to Rome to serve as an adviser, calling him "an exceptionally innovative politician." Crosetto phoned Fedorov the day after his removal and framed the offer as a sign of friendship and support. Fedorov's dismissal sparked nationwide protests and triggered a wider military leadership reshuffle, including the subsequent removal of commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. Crosetto also announced additional arms deliveries to Kyiv.
Italy Invites Dismissed Ukrainian Minister Mykhailo Fedorov To Advise In Rome
FILE PHOTO - Mykhailo Fedorov, Minister of Defence of Ukraine, gives a press conference after the meeting of the Ukraine Contact Group at the Federal Ministry of Defence. (is associated with: «Italian defence minister offers Ukraine's Fedorov role after dismissal») Kay Nietfeld/dpa
Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto has invited recently dismissed Ukrainian minister Mykhailo Fedorov to come to Rome and serve as an adviser, offering a gesture of support after Fedorov's removal from government.
In an interview with the Italian daily La Repubblica, Crosetto described Fedorov as "an exceptionally innovative politician." He said he phoned Fedorov the day after President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the dismissal and asked, "When would you like to come to Rome to work with me as an adviser?"
"He was touched and understood that this was a sign of my appreciation and friendship," Crosetto told La Repubblica.
Crosetto used the interview to reaffirm Italy's support for Ukraine and announced further arms deliveries. He is a senior figure in Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's Brothers of Italy party and has been a vocal backer of continued assistance to Kyiv.
FILE PHOTO - Boris Pistorius, Germany's Defence Minister, welcomes his Ukrainian counterpart Mykhailo Fedorov with military honors. (is associated with: «Italian defence minister offers Ukraine's Fedorov role after dismissal») Markus Lenhardt/dpa
Fedorov's dismissal earlier this month sparked protests across Ukraine. He is widely credited by supporters with advancing Ukraine's capabilities in drone warfare during his time in government. After leaving office, Fedorov publicly disclosed a dispute with then commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi over the direction of the war effort, which intensified calls from demonstrators for Syrskyi's removal. Following several days of demonstrations, President Zelensky also dismissed Syrskyi.
Context: Italy is regarded as one of Ukraine's most consistent European supporters during the country's defense against Russia's full-scale invasion, now in its fourth year.
Note: Several reports refer to Fedorov as a recently dismissed defence minister in the context of this reshuffle. He previously served in senior Ukrainian government roles, including as minister responsible for digital transformation and as a vice-prime minister. Readers should consult official Kyiv announcements for confirmation of formal titles following the recent shake-up.
FILE PHOTO: Germany's Defence Minister Boris Pistorius greeted Ukrainian official Mykhailo Fedorov with military honours. (Photo by Markus Lenhardt/dpa)
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