“It was a major problem for months”: Zelenskyy explains Fedorov’s dismissal for the first time
27 July 09:32
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented on the decision to dismiss Mykhailo Fedorov from his post as defense minister. According to the head of state, the key reason was the ongoing problems in coordination between the Ministry of Defense and the military command, which, in his view, negatively affected the making of important decisions during the war.
The president made this statement in an interview with Sky News, reports
Zelenskyy Cited the Main Reason for the Dismissal
Responding to a journalist’s question, the president noted that for a long time there had been a serious problem in the coordination between the Ministry of Defense and the military leadership.
According to Zelenskyy, the conflict between then-Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine hindered the prompt adoption of necessary decisions.
“For months, there was a major problem in the working relationship between the Commander-in-Chief and the Ministry of Defense; I didn’t like that,” the president said.
He emphasized that in the context of a full-scale war, there must be constant coordination between these institutions.
The president stated the need for a new approach
According to Zelenskyy, mobilization remains one of the most important challenges for the state.
The president stressed that Ukraine needs:
- a new approach to mobilization;
- rapid military decision-making;
- constant coordination between the General Staff and the Ministry of Defense;
- strengthening the air and missile defense system.
“I need unity between these two institutions,” the head of state emphasized.
“I don’t have time to listen to both sides.”
The president stated that he cannot spend time resolving constant disputes between the heads of various agencies.
According to him, in wartime, officials must coordinate their actions directly with one another.
“I don’t have time to listen to one side and then the other. They need to meet not just daily, but hourly, until our skies are protected. I don’t need to figure out who’s right and who’s wrong,” Zelenskyy said.
What the President Said About Fedorov and Syrskyi
The president emphasized that he respects both Mykhailo Fedorov and former Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.
At the same time, he stressed that successful military operations are the result of the work of many agencies—the General Staff, intelligence, special services, military units, and the defense industry.
Zelenskyy also noted that the development of unmanned technologies remains one of the key areas of Ukraine’s defense, but modern technologies cannot completely replace military personnel on the front lines.
Is Fedorov’s Return Possible?
A Sky News reporter asked the president whether Mykhailo Fedorov might be reappointed.
Zelenskyy did not give a direct answer to this question.
At the same time, he reiterated that his top priority is effective coordination among all agencies in the security and defense sector, rather than personnel-related discussions.
What Is Known About the Public Reaction
Following personnel changes in Ukraine’s defense sector, there has been active public discussion about the reasons for the resignation and future personnel decisions.
Protests in support of former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov have been ongoing since July 16. Initially, their main demand was Fedorov’s reinstatement to the government, but this was later supplemented by a call for the resignation of the then-Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi.
As reported by
