Ukraine's ousted defence minister insists on being reinstated
Ukraine's ousted defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov has refused to accept an alternative post in Volodymyr Zelensky's government, insisting he wants his job back. He thanked
Ukraine's ousted defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov has refused to accept an alternative post in Volodymyr Zelensky's government, insisting he wants his job back. He thanked the president, but said there were "only three positions in the state - in addition to soldiers on the battlefield - which determine the course of the war: president, defence minister and commander-in-chief".
Zelensky said he had offered Fedorov several posts, including deputy prime minister. Last week's removal of Fedorov - who is praised for transforming the armed forces - triggered mass protests. Zelensky was later forced to sack commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, who conflicted with Fedorov. Some protesters say the firing of Syrskyi is not enough, vowing to continue their street demonstrations until Fedorov is reinstated as defence minister.
Fedorov, 35, has been credited for using data to significantly improve the Ukrainian army performance on the front line and other innovations, including his successful Army of Drones initiative. He has also been praised for leading a drive against corruption. Gen Syrskyi, 60, played a key role in the successful defence of the capital Kyiv during the first days of the Russian full-scale invasion in February 2022.
But he is now seen by many in Ukraine as a Soviet-school commander reluctant to implement much-needed radical changes in the army.
The BriefWire