Ukraines ex-defense minister rejects Zelenskyys deputy role, demands reinstatement
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8 days · 5 summary articles
Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine's former defense minister, rejected President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's offer to become deputy prime minister for military innovations, insisting on returning to his previous position as defense minister. The announcement came on Thursday, July 24, 2026, hours after Zelenskyy publicly confirmed the offer during a joint press conference with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin in Kyiv.
Fedorov, who was dismissed from his position on July 15, 2026, said in a written response shared with journalists that he would not accept any position other than defense minister. "I'm grateful to the president for all the options offered. However, today there are only three positions in the country that, alongside the troops on the battlefield, actually shape the course of the war: the President of Ukraine, the Minister of Defense, and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine," Fedorov wrote.
The offer followed more than a week of upheaval in Ukraine's political and military leadership triggered by Fedorov's departure from the Defense Ministry. Fedorov had accused then-Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky of obstructing military reforms. Nationwide protests subsequently called for Fedorov's reinstatement and Syrsky's removal.
On July 21, 2026, Zelenskyy dismissed Syrsky and appointed 43-year-old Maj. Gen. Mykhailo Drapaty as Ukraine's new commander-in-chief. Fedorov welcomed Drapaty's appointment, describing the change as "a breath of fresh air and new hope" for Ukraine's defense.
Fedorov's dismissal on July 15 had sparked nationwide protests, with thousands gathering in Kyiv and other cities to express their dissatisfaction with Zelenskyy's decision. The protests have continued, with calls for Fedorov's reinstatement and demands for the removal of the newly appointed Minister of Veterans.
In his statement, Fedorov emphasized the importance of the defense minister's role in shaping the course of the war. "No other role carries the actual authority to combat procurement corruption, complete the army’s transformation, plan and execute asymmetric operations against the enemy, root out a culture of lies and unaccountability within the system," he said.
Zelenskyy had offered Fedorov several positions, including deputy prime minister for military innovation, but Fedorov made it clear that he would only accept the defense minister position. "I believe that Mykhailo is in the team. I have offered him several positions; the last position, not to go into the details of all our meetings, is deputy prime minister of Ukraine for military innovations," Zelenskyy said during the press conference.
Protests demanding Fedorov's reinstatement continued in Kyiv on July 23 for the eighth day. A demand to remove Vitalii Kim from the post of Minister of Veterans has also emerged.
Drapaty, who gained fame in 2014 for leading a unit out of a lethal encirclement by Russia-backed separatists, was appointed by Zelenskyy on July 23, 2026. Many within Ukraine's military have welcomed Drapaty's appointment, seeing him as a trusted leader.
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