Ukraine defence minister fight deepens as Fedorov resists new role

Mykhailo Fedorov has deepened the Ukraine defence minister crisis by refusing to take another job in President Volodymyr Zelensky’s government and insisting he wants his original post back. The dispute follows his removal last week, a move that set off protests and left Zelensky facing renewed pressure over the direction of the war effort.

Fedorov thanked the president, but made clear that he does not see another cabinet position as a substitute for the defence ministry. He said there are only three state roles, apart from soldiers on the battlefield, that shape the course of the war: the president, the defence minister and the commander-in-chief. Zelensky, for his part, said he had offered Fedorov several posts, including deputy prime minister.

The Ukraine defence minister dispute has become more than a personnel fight. Supporters of Fedorov, who is credited with pushing reforms inside the armed forces, said the removal has gone too far. Some have said the earlier firing of commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi does not settle the matter, and they are continuing street demonstrations until Fedorov is restored. Zelensky later dismissed Syrskyi after clashes with Fedorov, and then appointed Mykhailo Drapatyi as the new commander-in-chief.

In his statement sent to journalists on Thursday, Fedorov said his team had laid out a clear plan when he was appointed defence minister in January. He said the plan focused on protecting the skies, stabilising the front and striking Russia’s economy. He argued that the plan has been carried out consistently for six months and said Ukraine has, for the first time in recent years, begun to seize the initiative on the battlefield.