Former Ukrainian defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov told CBS News that domestically produced ballistic missiles could be ready to strike targets in Russia within three to six months, with a likely launch by the end of 2026. He said Kyiv accelerated the program while he was in office and argued such a capability could alter the balance with Russia. Fedorov’s dismissal last month—part of a dispute that also involved top general Oleksandr Syrskyi—sparked mass protests, but he vowed to continue working to end the war and rebuild Ukraine.
Ukraine Could Field Home-Made Ballistic Missiles Within Months, Ex-Defense Minister Says
Ukraine's former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov (JOHN THYS / AFP via Getty Images)
Former Ukrainian defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov told CBS News that Ukraine's domestically produced missiles could be capable of striking targets inside Russia within three to six months, and he expects a launch into Russian territory by the end of 2026.
Fedorov said the development would shift the current balance: Kyiv has relied heavily on long-range drones and cruise missiles, which are slower and easier to intercept once detected, while Russia has leaned on ballistic systems that have proven harder to stop.
Program Acceleration and Potential Impact
Fedorov, who served as defense minister until his dismissal last month, said Ukraine accelerated its ballistic missile program during his tenure. He argued that a domestically produced ballistic missile could be a “game changer” by narrowing Russia’s technical advantage in long-range strike capability.
“We need to defeat Russia in every technological cycle, and we have to make decisions 24/7,” Fedorov told CBS News.
Asked about his removal, Fedorov declined to discuss the details with the American audience, noting that his dismissal sparked mass protests across Ukraine. His ouster followed a public dispute with General Oleksandr Syrskyi; President Volodymyr Zelenskyy later removed Syrskyi as well.
Fedorov characterized the demonstrations as evidence of Ukrainians’ commitment to democratic values and said the country remains determined to defend its freedom. During his time in office, he was credited with strengthening domestic weapons production and increasing the number of deep strikes against Russian positions.
A former tech entrepreneur, Fedorov did not disclose firm plans for his next role. “Soon we will see,” he said. “But in any case, all my work will be aimed at ending the war and rebuilding Ukraine.”
Reporting based on Fedorov’s interview with CBS News.
Help us improve.
