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Ousted Ukrainian defense minister Fedorov says he won't accept a different government role
AP News • • world
Key Points:
- Ukraine’s fired defense minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, has rejected President Zelenskyy’s offer to rejoin the government as deputy prime minister for military innovation, insisting he will only accept the defense minister role.
- Fedorov, known for modernizing Ukraine’s armed forces and combating corruption in military procurement, was dismissed after six months, sparking street protests and criticism from Moscow.
- He emphasized that the defense minister position is critical for shaping the war effort, enabling reforms, asymmetric operations, and anti-corruption measures that other roles cannot provide.
- Fedorov highlighted his unfinished reforms aimed at strengthening air defenses, maintaining front-line resilience, and weakening Russia’s economy, warning that losing momentum could jeopardize Ukraine’s chance to force peace through strength.
