Ukraine's Former Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov Named Italian Military Innovation Adviser

Italian advisory appointment

Former Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has accepted an appointment as defence innovation adviser to Italy's Defence Ministry following a bilateral meeting in Rome. Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto announced the role on Friday, noting that discussions focused on unmanned systems, battlefield drones, air defence capabilities, and the development of military technology ecosystems. Fedorov stated that his discussions in Rome mark the initial stop of an international tour centered on digital projects and defence technology before traveling to the United States. According to the Italian ministry, Fedorov declined advisory proposals from several other governments before accepting the Italian offer.

Today, the simple knowledge of new technologies is no longer sufficient: the ability to adapt organizational processes is essential, transforming rapidly experimentation into operational solutions that can be used on a large scale.

Dismissal from Kyiv and military restructuring

Fedorov served as Ukraine's Defence Minister from January to July 2026 after leading the Ministry of Digital Transformation for three years. During his six months leading the defence ministry, he introduced reforms to procurement and mobilisation systems that generated friction with military leadership. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Fedorov on 16 July 2026, a move that prompted street demonstrations across Ukrainian cities where protesters demanded his reinstatement. The political restructuring also led to the dismissal of Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi on 22 July 2026, with Mykhailo Drapatiy appointed to replace him. Crosetto reached out to Fedorov by telephone the day following his July dismissal to propose the advisory post.

In this role, I will assist Italy in adopting modern warfare technologies, enhancing its defense sector, and adapting to emerging global security challenges.

Domestic criticism and parliamentary summons

Following his departure from the Ukrainian cabinet, Fedorov expanded his public commentary regarding governance in Kyiv. In recent interviews with Reuters and the BBC, Fedorov called for national elections despite ongoing martial law restrictions and urged accountability concerning recent corruption allegations within the administration. Zelenskyy rejected calls for wartime elections, describing such a vote as a fracturing event for the nation.

Fedorov also faces domestic legal proceedings in Kyiv. Ukrainian lawmaker Alexei Goncharenko confirmed that a parliamentary investigative commission summoned Fedorov to testify on 31 August 2026. The inquiry relates to Operation Midas, an investigation initiated in November 2025 by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) concerning wartime defense legislation. Fedorov maintained that his core priority remains supporting Ukraine through international partnerships and defense resource acquisition.