Mykhailo Fedorov claims his efforts to restructure Ministry of Defence procurement processes led to his dismissal, while expressing readiness to return to the role if asked.
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ManyPress Editorial
Key facts
- •Mykhailo Fedorov stated he is prepared to return to the Ministry of Defence if offered the position by President Zelenskyy.
- •Fedorov attributed his dismissal to resistance against his reforms of procurement and tender procedures.
- •The former minister claimed he warned the president in April about a potential disinformation campaign driven by those affected by his reforms.
- •Protests demanding Fedorov's reinstatement have been held in Kyiv and other cities since 16 July.
- •President Zelenskyy previously noted that problems with mobilization and brigade management, alongside friction between Fedorov and Oleksandr Syrskyi, influenced the government's direction.
Former Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov stated that his efforts to reform procurement and tender procedures within the Ministry of Defence contributed to his dismissal. Fedorov claimed these changes disrupted the interests of various individuals and companies, leading to increased pressure and a disinformation campaign against him. Despite his removal, Fedorov expressed that he is 100% willing to return to the Ministry of Defence if offered the position by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Resistance to Procurement Reforms
Fedorov reported that tensions began to rise around early April as his ministry attempted to restructure internal processes and launch competitive tenders. He stated that he warned President Zelenskyy at that time about a potential smear campaign, noting that his efforts to change the system would likely lead to accusations regarding his political ambitions or business interests. He emphasized that his goal was to alter the ministry's fundamental operating principles rather than target specific individuals.
Public Protests and Government Changes
Since 16 July, public protests have occurred in Kyiv and other cities calling for Fedorov's reinstatement. President Zelenskyy previously cited unresolved battlefield challenges and difficulties in the working relationship between Fedorov and former commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi as factors in the government's decision-making. Following protests, Zelenskyy announced the dismissal of Syrskyi and his intention to appoint Mykhailo Drapatyi as the new commander-in-chief.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Ukrainska Pravda (English), Ukrainska Pravda (English).
