Fedorov sought Syrsky’s dismissal, but Zelensky did not back him — the Economist

Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov made attempts to secure the dismissal of Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky, but failed to receive the support of President Volodymyr Zelensky.

This was reported by The Economist, citing its own sources.

According to the publication, the conflict is rooted in “deep disagreements” between the minister and the military leadership. Fedorov is focused on technological reforms, digitalization, and the mass use of drones, while Syrsky and the generals adhere to a more traditional approach to army management.

The Economist’s sources claim that these contradictions have long “gone beyond working discussions.” Many generals believe the minister lacks sufficient military experience, and that some of his initiatives are merely a “PR repackaging” of already existing projects.

At one of the July meetings, the generals criticized Fedorov for slow procurement of missiles and ammunition. In response, the minister stated that it was precisely his drone procurement decisions that made the current operation to isolate Crimea possible.

According to one of the publication’s sources, in the event of a serious confrontation, Fedorov would be unlikely to prevail over Syrsky: the commander-in-chief “knows the system better” and “will outmaneuver him.”

The minister’s future, as The Economist notes, depends largely on Zelensky and on what new post Fedorov will take in the government. Previously, sources in political circles cited Zelensky’s desire to remove Fedorov from the post of defense minister as one of the motives behind a planned cabinet reshuffle — reportedly, relations between the president and the minister have long remained strained.