Ukraines Zelenskyy sacks defense minister Fedorov amid military leadership tensions
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov on July 15, 2026, as part of a broader cabinet reshuffle. Fedorov, who had been in the role for six months, confirmed his dismissal in a social media post, stating, "It was a great honor to serve the Ukrainian people as the Minister of Defense."
Fedorov, a young bureaucrat known for his technological innovations, had spearheaded digital transformation efforts across the government and embraced drone innovation as a crucial weapon in the war against Russia. During his tenure, Ukraine saw significant improvements on the battlefield, including repeated strikes on Russian oil refineries, which created fuel shortages in Russia and embarrassed President Vladimir Putin.
The dismissal comes amid reported tensions between Fedorov and military leadership, particularly Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. According to sources cited by Ukrainska Pravda, Zelenskyy explained to MPs that he could no longer tolerate the constant conflict between Fedorov and Syrskyi. "They live in two different worlds. Mykhailo wants to digitalize everything and build the system around technology. The military simply want to be heard," one MP quoted the president as saying.
Fedorov listed several achievements during his time at the ministry, including blocking Russian troops' access to Starlink satellites, which "dramatically reduced their ability to wage an effective drone war." He also noted that he would continue to work to "defeat the enemy with asymmetry, speed of innovation, and strength of organization."
Ukrainian media had speculated that Fedorov could be dismissed due to his "systemic conflict" with other Cabinet members involved in defense spending. Dan Rice, president of American University Kyiv and a former special adviser to the commander-in-chief of Ukraine's armed forces, told RFE/RL that Fedorov could be moved to another senior role, including potentially as prime minister or Ukraine's ambassador to the United States. "I think he's done an amazing job in a very short period of time," Rice said of Fedorov.
Zelenskyy announced the start of the government reshuffle on July 12, saying the changes are needed to implement an updated political strategy. He also endorsed Serhiy Koretskiy, the chief executive of Naftogaz, the country’s largest state-owned oil and gas company, as the next prime minister.
Fedorov's dismissal has provoked criticism among Ukrainians who credit him for his efforts to modernize the country's armed forces. "This is a fatal mistake that will cost us dearly," a prominent Ukrainian military volunteer said.
In his social media post, Fedorov expressed regret over insufficient personnel changes and listed over 20 achievements during his tenure, including cutting Russian forces off from Starlink, the campaign to isolate occupied Crimea, and an "unpopular but extremely important" military reform initiative.
The cabinet reshuffle also saw Yulia Svyrydenko pushed out as prime minister. Zelenskyy has not commented publicly on the move.
Follow us for live European news
- 4
- 3
- 2
- 2
- 1
- 1
- 1
- 1
- 1
3 further sources not geolocated
Articles
Ukraina president tegi ettepaneku nimetada Koretskõi peaministriks Ukraina president Volodõmõr Zelenskõi esitas kolmapäeval valitsuse koosseisu muutmise algatuse raames parlamendile ametliku esildise Serhi Koretskõi kandidatuuri kohta Ukraina peaministri ametikohale.
postimees · about 3 hours ago
Selenskyj baut Regierung um – Verteidigungsminister tritt offenbar im Streit mit Armeechef ab Nach der verkündeten Kabinettsumbildung in der Ukraine zeichnet sich die Neubesetzung eines Postens ab. Der Chef eines staatlichen Energiekonzerns soll Regierungschef werden. Der bisherige Verteidigungsminister verkündet, dass er nicht mehr zur Verfügung steht.
welt.de · about 3 hours ago
Ukrainian Defense Minister Fedorov Sacked As Zelenskyy Continues Cabinet Shuffle Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Mykhalo Fedorov as defense minister following a meeting with military leadership amid a cabinet reshuffle that has also seen Yulia Svyrydenko pushed out as prime minister.
radio free europe · about 3 hours ago
Zelenskyy could no longer tolerate ongoing conflict between Defence Minister Fedorov and Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi – UP sources According to Ukrainska Pravda sources, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy decided to replace Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov because of his prolonged conflict with Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.
ukrpravda · about 3 hours ago
Serhii "Flash" Beskrestnov and Serhii Sternenko say they are no longer advisers to defence minister Serhii Sternenko and Serhii "Flash" Beskrestnov have announced that they are no longer advisers to Ukraines defence minister following Mykhailo Fedorovs departure.
ukrpravda · about 3 hours ago
KYIV POST: What Fedorov Says He Achieved in 6 Months as Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov outlined 22 claimed achievements from his 6 months as defense minister, including restricting Russian Starlink access, expanding drone procurement and improving interception rates. He also acknowledged unfinished procurement, accountability and institutional reforms. #Ukraine #Technology #Economy
mastodon bot · about 4 hours ago
Zelenskyy submits Serhii Koretskyis nomination for prime minister to parliament President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has formally nominated Serhii Koretskyi for the post of prime minister of Ukraine, with parliament set to consider the appointment.
ukrpravda · about 4 hours ago
Ukraines Minister of Defense, a Proponent of Drone Warfare, Steps Down Mykhailo Fedorov announced he was leaving the ministry on Wednesday after conflicts with generals and military contractors over the role of innovative weaponry.
new york times · about 4 hours ago
Zelenskyy dismisses Ukraines popular Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov It was a great honour to serve the Ukrainian people as defence minister," Fedorov said on Wednesday evening, confirming his dismissal amid Zelenskyys government reshuffle. While not a very public figure, Fedorov has been widely praised within the military and among civil society.
euronews · about 5 hours ago
+++ Ukraine-Krieg +++: Selenskyj will Chef von Energiekonzern als Ministerpräsidenten Russische Energiekonzerne bitten offenbar Indien um Benzin +++ Selenskyj: Ukraine kann Patriot-Raketen bis Jahresende selbst bauen +++ Russland: Chefingenieur von AKW getötet +++ Der Newsblog.
handelsblatt · about 5 hours ago
Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismisses Ukraines popular defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov, credited with transforming the ministry, ousted in reshuffle after six months in post
telegram_The Guardian · about 5 hours ago
Zelensky Ousts Popular Defense Minister as Ukraine Gains Momentum in the War The dismissal provoked criticism among Ukrainians who credit Mykhailo Fedorov for his efforts to modernize the countrys armed forces.
wsj · about 6 hours ago
Unfortunately, Ukraines Minister of Defense has changed today. Ihor Klymenko has been appointed as the new minister. Symbolically, on the day of the governments dismissal, a successful test of a ballistic missile - developed under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Defense - was conducted. Fedorov confirmed that he is stepping down as Minister of Defense, adding that it was a great honor for him to serve the Ukrainian people.
telegram_WarTranslated · about 6 hours ago
📰 Ukrainian Defense Minister Fedorov Sacked As Zelenskyy Continue Cabinet Shuffle🔗 #RussianInvasion #RussianWar #Ukraine
mastodon bot · about 6 hours ago
Ukraine-Krieg: Ukraine vor erneutem Wechsel im Verteidigungsministerium Mehr als vier Jahre dauert der ukrainische Abwehrkampf gegen Russland. Nach dem Rücktritt der Ministerpräsidentin richtet der Verteidigungsminister Worte des Abschieds an die Bevölkerung.
handelsblatt · about 7 hours ago
AFU General Staff rejects claims of UAH 300B in excess military spending Ukraines General Staff has dismissed reports alleging that an audit uncovered UAH 300 billion (USD 6.6 billion) in excessive spending by the Armed Forces, saying the claims are false.
ukrinform · about 7 hours ago
Zelenski anunță că Ucraina va putea produce rachete Patriot până la sfârşitul anului 2026 Preşedintele Volodimir Zelenski a afirmat miercuri că estimează că Ucraina va fi capabilă să producă „până la sfârşitul anului 2026 rachete destinate sistemelor de apărare Patriot, de care are nevoie pentru a contracara atacurile ruseşti cu rachete balistice care s-au intensificat, notează AFP.
digi24 · about 7 hours ago
Ukrajinský minister obrany Mychajlo Fedorov oznámil svoju rezignáciu Ukrajinský minister obrany Mychajlo Fedorov oznámil koniec vo funkcii. Prezident Zelenskyj podľa poslancov zvažuje navrhnúť ako náhradu Ihora Klymenka.
aktuality.sk · about 7 hours ago
Zelenskyys reshuffle will include appointment of new defence minister – UP sources Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will not be putting current Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov forward for the post of defence minister as part of the government reshuffle.
ukrpravda · about 7 hours ago
Remanierea lui Zelenski continuă cu o schimbare la vârful unui minister de top: „A fost o mare onoare să servesc poporul ucrainean Mihailo Fedorov, ministrul al apărării în Ucraina din ianuarie, a anunțat că nu va mai ocupa această funcție, miercuri, în contextul remanierii guvernamentale pe care a inițiat-o președintele Volodimir Zelenski, potrivit AFP, Kyiv Independent și Ukrainska Pravda. Fedorov și-a confirmat plecarea într-un mesaj pe rețelele sociale. „A fost o mare onoare să servesc poporul ucrainea …
hotnews.ro · about 7 hours ago
Ukraines self-defeating reshuffle Sacking of the defence minister is a setback for the countrys military efforts
financial times · about 7 hours ago
Zelenskyy ousts reformer Fedorov as defense minister amid Ukraine government reshuffle "This a fatal mistake that will cost us dearly," a prominent Ukrainian military volunteer said.
politico.eu · about 7 hours ago
🟠 UPDATEZelenskyy dismisses Ukraines defence minister Mykhailo FedorovFedorov oversaw rapid expansion of drone warfare capabilities and military reforms during Russias full-scale invasion.📰 #Russia #EU #Geopolitics #GeoWire
mastodon bot · about 7 hours ago
Președintele Ucrainei l-a demis pe ministrul Apărării, Mihailo Fedorov, după o reuniune cu conducerea armatei Preşedintele Volodimir Zelenski l-a demis pe Mihailo Fedorov din funcţia de ministru al Apărării, potrivit unui oficial ucrainean familiarizat cu situaţia, citat de publicaţia Kyiv Independent.
adevarul · about 7 hours ago
Volodymyr Zelenskyy sacks Ukraines popular defence minister Moderniser behind countrys drone development ousted in cabinet reshuffle after just six months in post
financial times · about 7 hours ago
Ukraine defence minister resigns as part of Zelenskys cabinet reshuffle Ukraines Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced his resignation on Wednesday as part of President Volodymyr Zelenskys cabinet reshuffle, stepping down after overseeing a rapid expansion of drone warfare capabilities and military reforms during Russias full-scale invasion.
france24 · about 7 hours ago
Zelensky names Koretskyi best-prepared candidate for Ukraines Prime Minister President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Sergii Koretskyi is the most prepared candidate for the position of Ukraines Prime Minister.
ukrinform · about 7 hours ago
⚡ NEWSZelenskyy dismisses Ukraines defence minister Mykhailo FedorovUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed popular defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov in a government reshuffle. Fedorov, credited with transforming the ministry and reducing corruption, was ousted despite pleas from foreign partners and civil society to...📰 #Diplomacy #Geopolitics #GeoWire
mastodon bot · about 7 hours ago
President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed Defense Minister Mykhailo #Fedorov during a government overhaul. Interior Minister Ihor #Klymenko is expected to succeed him following reports of friction between Fedorov and military leadership. #Russia #Zelensky
mastodon bot · about 8 hours ago
Zelenskyy says when Ukraine could start producing missiles for Patriot systems Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expects that by the end of 2026, Ukraine will gain the technical capability to produce missiles for MIM-104 Patriot air defence systems.
ukrpravda · about 8 hours ago