Ukrainian Minister of Defense Mikhail Fedorov published a final address, drawing a line under his tenure as head of the military department. In his Telegram post, he listed key achievements and outlined the tasks that his successor will need to address.
Digital Superiority and Drone Warfare
One of the first items on Fedorov's list of achievements was cutting off Russian troops' access to Starlink satellite communications. According to the minister, this decision became a critical factor, significantly limiting the enemy's capabilities in the sphere of drone warfare.
Simultaneously, Ukraine launched a large-scale program to increase the procurement of unmanned aerial vehicles. Investments were directed towards the development of FPV drones, reconnaissance complexes, interceptors, as well as deep-strike systems and NRC. To support these efforts, the "Logistical Lockdown" program was launched, aimed at disrupting Russian supply chains and isolating Crimea.
Revolution in Procurement and Financing
Fedorov announced a deep reform of the defense procurement system. For the first time in history, open tenders were held for the supply of long-range artillery and hundreds of thousands of drones. Also, for the first time, thousands of pickups, buggies, and ATVs were purchased for the army through a tender procedure.
To accelerate processes, a prepayment system of 70% was introduced via the Brave1 Market portal. Additionally, a mechanism for using European credit to finance defense needs was launched, allowing for the prompt procurement of critically important systems.
Technological Breakthroughs and New Systems
Significant results were achieved in the field of armaments. For the first time, Patriot PAC-2 GEM-T missiles were contracted, and an application was submitted to purchase more modern PAC-3 missiles using European funds. A successful test of the Ukrainian ballistic missile was conducted, which allowed for increased accuracy and reduced production costs.
To combat cheap "Shahed" type missiles, a technological solution was found to scale the production of anti-aircraft missiles, leading to the signing of a record contract. Also, the Defense AI Center A1 was created to accelerate the implementation of artificial intelligence in the defense sector, and the Trophy Lab was established for joint study of Russian military technologies with international partners.
Operational Successes and International Support
Among the key operational achievements, Fedorov highlighted the "Auchan" operation. According to him, this action halted the mechanized offensive of Russian troops for six months. The "Drone Line" program was also implemented, and support for modern drone-assault units was launched.
At the international level, the ministry held three meetings in the "Ramstein" format, as a result of which partners announced a support package totaling $40 billion. To attract investment in the defense industry, exports were opened under the Drone Deal program.
Personnel Reform and Future Plans
Fedorov initiated a reform of military service, including a new contract system, recruitment, and personnel motivation. The organizational transformation of the Ministry of Defense in accordance with NATO standards was also completed. However, the minister noted that personnel changes must be more decisive.
As priorities for the future, Fedorov highlighted the full transition of defense procurement to a tender system and the formation of a culture of personal responsibility for decisions made. "I will continue to work for the mission with which I came to the Ministry of Defense earlier — to defeat the enemy with asymmetry, speed of innovation, and the power of organization," he concluded.
Recall that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously announced the change of the Minister of Defense due to a conflict with the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi. Mikhail Fedorov will remain in the team but will move to a different position.
