Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Fedorov Has Declined All Positions Offered By Zelenskyy
- 22.07.2026, 9:59
The negotiations lasted six hours over the weekend.
Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has turned down several positions that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy offered him following his dismissal, according to "Ukrainska Pravda" reports, citing sources in political circles.
According to the publication, Zelenskyy offered Fedorov the chance to remain in government by taking a position related to technological development—specifically, the post of Deputy Prime Minister for Technology. However, the former minister declined, as he believes it is impossible to implement his strategy of containing Russia without the authority held by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense.
According to a source in military circles, Fedorov also pointed out that following the appointment of Mykhailo Drapaty as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Ministry of Defense’s existing team could immediately begin working on reforming the Armed Forces. If, however, a new person heads the ministry, it will take months to form a team and get up to speed on the processes.
According to the Financial Times, citing informed sources, Zelenskyy discussed the possibility of Fedorov’s return to government with him for about six hours over the past weekend and has since been in contact with him almost daily. It is claimed that the Ukrainian president offered the former minister several high-level positions, including a role on Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council with authority to oversee defense technologies, military reform, and the development of long-range weapons.
Sources speaking to the publication also claim that Fedorov rejected all offers and insists only on returning to the post of defense minister.
As a reminder, the day before, Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi and appointed in his place Commander of the Joint Forces
Mykhailo Drapaty. At the same time, the politician announced that he had offered former Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov “a prestigious position within the government” related to technological development. Fedorov himself publicly congratulated Drapaty on his appointment and stated that the Ukrainian army needs further reforms.