Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov after only six months in office, removing one of the government’s most prominent reformers as part of a wider wartime reshuffle on the eve of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to Kyiv.
A controversial wartime departure
Fedorov confirmed his departure in a Telegram statement, describing his service as a great honour and highlighting the changes introduced during his brief tenure. The 35-year-old minister had built a strong reputation among technology specialists, civil society organisations and several of Ukraine’s international partners.
His dismissal has prompted criticism from opposition politicians and defence campaigners, who argue that frequent changes at the top of the ministry risk disrupting military reform during a critical phase of the war with Russia.
Zelenskyy has presented the broader government changes as an attempt to renew the administration and strengthen Ukraine’s ability to manage the conflict, protect its energy infrastructure and maintain international support.
Technology brought to the battlefield
Before becoming defence minister in January, Fedorov had served as Ukraine’s minister of digital transformation. He was closely associated with the rapid digitalisation of public services and the expansion of technology-led military programmes following Russia’s full-scale invasion.
At the defence ministry, Fedorov increased the focus on drones, electronic warfare, battlefield data and transparent procurement. He said the ministry had purchased more unmanned systems, improved attacks on Russian logistics and reduced the cost of defence contracts, saving the Ukrainian state billions of dollars.
Ukraine’s long-range drone campaign intensified during his tenure, repeatedly targeting Russian oil refineries, military facilities and supply routes. Kyiv also expanded efforts to isolate Russian forces in occupied Crimea and restrict their access to satellite communication systems.
Fedorov said Ukraine had recently tested a more accurate and less expensive ballistic missile, although operational details were not disclosed.
Questions over military leadership
Ukrainian media and political analysts have suggested that Fedorov experienced disagreements with Commander-in-Chief General Oleksandr Syrskyi over military priorities and the speed of technological reform. However, no official explanation identifying such tensions as the reason for his removal has been provided.
Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko is expected to be nominated as the next defence minister. Klymenko has led the interior ministry since 2023 and has overseen the police, national guard and domestic security services during the war.
The reshuffle also follows the resignation of Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko. Zelenskyy has backed Sergii Koretskyi, the head of state energy company Naftogaz, as her likely successor, placing preparations for renewed Russian attacks on Ukraine’s power system near the centre of the government’s agenda.
Starmer visit adds diplomatic significance
The timing of Fedorov’s departure is particularly sensitive because it comes immediately before Starmer’s expected visit. Britain remains one of Ukraine’s most important European military partners, providing weapons, training and support for domestic defence production.
The visit is expected to focus on continued military assistance, weapons manufacturing and Ukraine’s long-term security requirements. It will also give Zelenskyy an opportunity to reassure a key ally that the reshuffle will not interrupt defence reforms or cooperation with Western partners.
For Ukraine, the challenge will be to demonstrate that changing its political leadership can improve wartime performance without weakening institutional continuity at a moment of continuing battlefield pressure.
Newshub Editorial in Europe – 16 July 2026
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