--- title: "Zelenskyy vs. Fedorov? Analysis of Rumors About Conflict in Ukrainian Leadership" description: "Ukrainian elites are discussing a possible conflict between Zelenskyy and Defense Minister Fedorov. πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦ Rumors link this to air defense issues, budget struggles, and confrontation with Arakhamia. Officially, both sides deny friction, but intrigues continue. 🀝πŸ”₯" date: 2026-06-16T05:22:00.000Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/zelenskyy-vs-fedorov-analysis-of-rumors-about-conflict-in-ukrainian-leadership tags: [] publisher: "XAB.info" --- # Zelenskyy vs. Fedorov? Analysis of Rumors About Conflict in Ukrainian Leadership ![Mikhail Fedorov at press conference: rumors of conflict with Zelenskyy](https://xab.info/media/2026/06/16/sluhi-o-konflikte-zelenskogo-i-fedorova-razbor-politicheskoj-situacii/sluhi-o-konflikte-zelenskogo-i-fedorova-razbor-politicheskoj-situacii-1.webp) Ukrainian political circles are actively discussing a possible cooling of relations between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Minister of Defense Mykhailo Fedorov. Despite official representatives from both sides categorically denying the existence of a conflict, sources in the corridors of power point to several reasons for tension. ### Reasons for the Rumors: From Air Defense to Anti-Corruption Investigations As reported by RBK-Ukraine, one of the triggers for the conversation was Zelenskyy's recent criticism of the pace of work on acquiring Patriot air defense systems. Three sources for the publication believe these words were directed specifically at Fedorov. However, the minister's entourage refutes such an interpretation. There are other versions of the reasons for the "black cat" that ran between the president and the minister. Among them: - The unresolved issue of so-called "bussification," which continues to generate scandals. - Aftermath of "Mindichgate": Fedorov previously acted as a communicator between the decision-making center and anti-corruption structures (NABU and SAP), with whom the President's Administration maintains cool relations. ### Battle for Budgets and Tenders In unofficial conversations, sources admit that intrigues and media attacks constantly unfold around the head of the Ministry of Defense. One of the main reasons cited is the struggle for the huge budgets managed by the ministry. According to a source close to Fedorov, the ministry began shifting procurement to tenders, refusing unnecessary weapons, and cutting costs on duplicating state orders. This caused dissatisfaction among many market players, who began attacking the minister. "Many perceive Mykhailo as a competitor. Some have inflated prices, some have outdated weapons, and some want more than they can supply. That is why he is being attacked from all sides," noted a source at Bankova. ### Conflict with David Arakhamia and the Servant of the People Party A separate line of tension is identified in the confrontation between Fedorov and the head of the Servant of the People faction, David Arakhamia. A vivid manifestation of this conflict was the public attacks on the team of "digitalizers" by Danylo Hetmantsev, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada's Finance Committee, who is considered close to Arakhamia. The situation escalated to a lawsuit for the protection of honor and dignity, which the Acting Head of the Ministry of Digital Transformation, Oleksandr Bornyakov, filed against Hetmantsev. The deputy himself accepted the challenge and plans to involve Fedorov himself in the process. Influential deputies in the Rada note that if the president wanted to stop these attacks, one call to Arakhamia would have been enough. The fact that this is not happening raises questions. "The system began to 'devour' Fedorov, just as it once devoured many others," stated one of his party colleagues. ### Relations with the Military and Zelenskyy's Position Another line of tension, which those involved do not hide, is the conflict between Fedorov and career military officers led by Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. Experts note that such a rift was inevitable due to different backgrounds, mindsets, and age differences. Interestingly, sources close to Fedorov insist that even if attacks from Arakhamia took place, relations between the two top managers have now been restored, and they communicate even more closely than before. As for relations with the president, a source in Zelenskyy's entourage assured: "The President communicates absolutely normally with Fedorov, not only on profile issues. Fedorov has full access when necessary." A source close to the minister added that trust has even increased.