For a long time, various rumors and assumptions have circulated regarding the reasons for the dismissal of the former head of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Mikhail Fedorov. Now, the former minister himself has commented on the situation, explaining what actually prompted his departure from the position. The interview was published by the outlet "Ukrainska Pravda," with RBC-Ukraine being the first to report on it.
Pressure and Restructuring of Processes
Fedorov emphasized that he does not intend to recount the details of conversations with the president or build conspiracy theories. However, he noted that the public discussion of an alleged conflict with the country's leadership does not reflect the essence of what is happening. In his opinion, the real reasons for his resignation lie in the sphere of internal changes within the ministry.
"We began to restructure many different processes inside. And from what began to happen in the public space – certain pressure, certain law enforcement agencies around our work – somewhere from the beginning of April, it was clear that the temperature was rising. And that this would end with something," – the former minister said.
Key Reason: Procurement Reform
According to Fedorov, the greatest dissatisfaction was caused by changes in the sphere of defense procurement and tenders. It was this area that became the catalyst for a negative reaction from various groups, which began to actively influence public opinion and even the president's position.
"The reason related to procurement, to tenders, to the fact that we began to restructure processes in this direction – this caused great dissatisfaction among many people who began to constantly influence and spread negativity not only around the president, but also in the media space in general," – added the former head of the Ministry of Defense.
Public Reaction and New Appointments
The resignation of Mikhail Fedorov caused a wide public resonance. In various cities of Ukraine, actions were held in his support, participants of which demanded the return of the former minister to the post. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, commenting on personnel changes, stated that the Ministry of Defense lacked due coordination with the command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine headed by the then Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky.
After Fedorov's resignation, the new head of the defense department became the former head of the SBU, Yevhen Yermakov. Zelenskyy also noted that he was ready to offer Fedorov another position, but at the moment sees Yermakov as the Minister of Defense.
Thus, Mikhail Fedorov links his resignation with internal reforms in the Ministry of Defense, especially in the field of procurement, which caused resistance from certain groups. His words shed light on hidden mechanisms that can influence personnel decisions in state structures of Ukraine.
