Former Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has rejected alternative positions offered by President Volodymyr Zelensky, insisting he will only return to his previous post after his dismissal triggered days of nationwide protests. In a statement released on Thursday (July 23), Fedorov said that, aside from soldiers on the battlefield, "only three positions in the state... determine the course of the war: president, defence minister and commander-in-chief."
Zelensky confirmed that he had proposed several roles to Fedorov, including deputy prime minister for military innovation, describing it as an important position that would coordinate defence innovation with the military leadership and the presidency. However, Fedorov declined, arguing that no other office would give him the authority to continue reforming the armed forces, combat corruption in military procurement, and oversee strategic operations.
Appointed defence minister in January 2026, Fedorov said he had entered office with "a concrete plan for how to end the war," centred on strengthening air defence, stabilising the front line, and targeting Russia's economy. He stated that his team had implemented this strategy over the past six months and claimed Ukraine had "begun to seize the initiative" for the first time in years. According to Fedorov, these efforts created "a window of opportunity to force Russia into peace through strength," adding that Ukraine "cannot afford to lose it."
Fedorov was dismissed by Zelensky on 15 July and replaced by former Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) official Yevhenii Khmara. His removal sparked six consecutive days of demonstrations in Kyiv and at least 16 other Ukrainian cities, with protesters demanding his reinstatement. Amid the backlash, Zelensky also dismissed Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, who had reportedly clashed with Fedorov, appointing Mykhailo Drapatyi as his successor. However, many demonstrators have continued to demand Fedorov's return, arguing that the leadership change alone does not address their concerns.
While negotiations over Fedorov's future remain ongoing, presidential adviser Dmytro Lytvyn said it would be premature to disclose details. Meanwhile, Khmara has already met with Drapatyi, emphasizing the desire to address any disagreements openly and resolve them in the interests of Ukrainian servicemen. He added that Ukraine would continue pursuing technological superiority over Russian forces by expanding long- and medium-range strike capabilities, unmanned ground systems and other innovations aimed at protecting troops and increasing battlefield effectiveness.
Source: commonspace.eu with BBC News (London), Euromaiden Press (Kyiv), and Ukrainska Pravda (Kyiv).
