Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismisses Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov as part of a wide-ranging cabinet reshuffle after about six months in the role. Multiple outlets report that Fedorov, a tech-focused minister associated with accelerating Ukraine’s drone warfare capabilities, leaves office following the government shake-up. In his statement posted on Telegram, Fedorov says it is a “great honour” to have served and points to work undertaken during his tenure, including expansion of drone production and the start of broader military reforms.
Several reports describe dissent around the decision, with foreign partners and civil society urging him to remain, and some sources noting public pushback in Ukraine. Fedorov also cites unresolved tensions with military leadership and unfinished reforms, while one report attributes the dismissal to an alleged conflict with Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky, citing Ukrainska Pravda.
Regarding succession, Kyiv Post reports that Ukraine’s Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko is expected to take over the defence portfolio, as Zelensky reorganizes the cabinet. Overall, the sources describe the dismissal as both a leadership change and a moment of domestic debate during wartime.
