Fedorov: Ukraine’s cabinet reshuffle served as a cover for his dismissal

Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said that the change of government may have served as a cover for his personal dismissal. He made the statement in an interview with the outlet Ukrainska Pravda.

When journalists asked him directly whether the cabinet reshuffle had served as a cover for his firing, Fedorov gave an unambiguous answer.

“It looks that way,” the former defense minister said.

According to him, throughout his entire time in office he experienced mounting pressure that intensified with each passing month and ultimately led to the dissolution of the entire government.

Speaking about his future, Fedorov noted that he has not yet had a final conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

“The doors are not yet closed,” he added.

Fedorov announced his resignation on July 15. He served as defense minister for six months and stated that he had been unable to complete the transformation of the Defense Ministry in accordance with NATO standards and common sense. In addition, according to the former minister, his resignation had been demanded by the leadership of the Ukrainian Armed Forces — in particular, former Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky and former Chief of the General Staff Andrii Hnatov, with whom Fedorov had a conflict.

On July 17, the Ukrainian government appointed Yevhen Khmara as acting defense minister. Zelensky emphasized that “real experience managing people” at the SBU’s Center for Special Operations “Alpha” should be an advantage for Khmara in his new role. On July 23, Zelensky offered Fedorov the position of deputy prime minister for military innovations, but Fedorov declined.