President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed Ukraine’s Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov as part of a wide-ranging government reshuffle. Fedorov, who confirmed his departure on Wednesday evening, stated it was a great honour to serve the Ukrainian people. His announcement followed the Ukrainian parliament's approval on Tuesday of Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko's resignation.
Appointed at the age of 35, Fedorov was the youngest defence minister in Ukraine’s history. A tech expert described as having "Cossack military cunning," he led technological innovations at the ministry and oversaw a rapid expansion of drone warfare capabilities and military reforms during Russia's full-scale invasion. He was widely credited with transforming the ministry and reducing corruption.
Fedorov's exit comes after six months in the post amid alleged tensions with the country’s military. While he was praised by civil society and within the military, he was dismissed despite pleas from foreign partners and civil society for him to keep his job. His ouster could potentially impact Kyiv's efforts in its war with Russia.