Mikhail Fedorov, who recently left the post of Minister of Defense of Ukraine, publicly refused President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's offer to take the position of Vice-Premier for Military Innovations. In a comment to journalists, Fedorov stated that his goal is not simply to maintain influence within the system, but to regain the authority necessary to end the war.
Why Fedorov Refused the New Position
According to the former minister, in 2026 his team came to the Ministry of Defense with a clear plan: defending the sky, stopping the front line, and striking the enemy's economy. Over six months of work, Fedorov claims, Ukraine seized the initiative in the war for the first time in recent years. He believes a "window of opportunity" has been created to force Russia into peace.
"I am grateful to the president for all the proposed options. But today, there are only three positions in the state that, besides soldiers on the battlefield, really determine the course of the war — the president, the Minister of Defense, and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. That is why I do not agree to any other position except that of the Minister of Defense," Fedorov emphasized.
Authority and Corruption
Fedorov noted that other positions in the government do not give him the tools needed to solve key tasks: fighting corruption in procurement, completing the transformation of the army, planning new operations against the enemy, and eradicating the culture of lies and irresponsibility within the system.
Context of Dismissal
Recall that Mikhail Fedorov held the post of Minister of Defense in Yulia Sviridenko's government. On July 14, the Verkhovna Rada sent the Cabinet of Ministers to resign. Fedorov, who had led the Ministry of Defense for only six months, lost his position. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy then stated that the main reason for the dismissal was the conflict between Fedorov and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrsky.
Public Reaction
Against the backdrop of the dismissal, large-scale protests began in several cities in Ukraine. Participants in the rallies are demanding that Mikhail Fedorov be appointed head of the Ministry of Defense again. Earlier, Fedorov had already refused the position of presidential advisor offered to him after his resignation.
Today, July 23, Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that he offered Fedorov the position of Vice-Premier for Military Innovations. However, the former minister declined, insisting on returning to the post of Minister of Defense.
