Fedorov push for drone manufacturing and fast certifications boosted asymmetric warfare capabilities that damaged Russian energy infrastructure. Citizens call it nightmare and unjustified move that makes Russia happy. Opposition labels it tyranny and intolerance for alternate views. Military figures praise Fedorov as best defense minister for removing barriers. Resignations show deep dissatisfaction with decision.
- Mykhaylo Fedorov dismissed July 15 as part of broader cabinet changes.
- Fedorov 34 years old served as Defense Minister since January focused on drones and digital warfare.
- Achievements included strikes on Russian oil refineries and blocking Starlink access for Russian troops.
- Clash reported with military commander Syrskiy over blocked initiatives.
- Zelensky noted failed unity but offered other role which Fedorov declined.
- Hundreds protested outside presidential offices in Kyiv July 16 chanting support for Fedorov.
- Protests also in Lviv and other cities with signs criticizing Zelensky.
- Resignations in protest from Air Force deputy commander and advisers.
‼️BREAKING: Mykhailo Fedorov has officially been removed from the position of Minister of Defense of Ukraine.
It was announced at the parliamentary faction (the Verkhovna Rada caucus). Most likely, his place will be taken by the current Minister of Internal Affairs, Ihor… pic.twitter.com/pV7bRStp7L
— Kateryna Lisunova (@KaterynaLis) July 15, 2026
Fedorov said he identified 11 major problems after his first month as minister of defense:
"1. Ukraine's Armed Forces are fighting at the tactical level, although increasingly at the operational level too. Still, fundamentally, "we are still fighting tactically".
2. The corps… pic.twitter.com/6ibdEMMruF
— Rob Lee (@RALee85) July 16, 2026
Protestors in Kyiv chanting “Federov, Federov”
This isn’t just about one man’s job. It’s another battle in the war for 🇺🇦’s future, fought between the defenders/profiteers of the corrupt Soviet legacy vs. the new innovative, democratic technocratic Ukraine pic.twitter.com/YS7vTaaPMR— Jessica Berlin (@berlin_bridge) July 16, 2026
RFE/RL on Fedorov sacking: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-defense-minister-fedorov-sacked-zelenskyy-cabinet-shuffle/33804467.html
RFE/RL on military fury and protests: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-military-fedorov-zelenskyy-firing-ouster-defense-ministry/33804946.html