Zelenskyy dismisses defence minister Fedorov after six months, citing army command clashes and stalled reform

Zelenskyy announced the shake-up on Sunday as a push for "renewal" in government and law enforcement, but the decision to drop Fedorov, 35, has drawn sharp criticism from civil society, foreign partners, and opposition lawmakers.

A sudden departure after six months

Fedorov confirmed his exit on Telegram on Wednesday evening, calling the role "a great honour." He had led the ministry since January 2026, the youngest defence minister in Ukrainian history. His six-month tenure coincided with a notable battlefield shift: Ukraine repeatedly struck Russian oil refineries with long-range drones, isolated occupied Crimea logistically, disabled Russian troops' access to Starlink, and procured more drones in four months than in the entire previous year, according to his farewell statement.

We fundamentally revised the technical requirements and achieved maximum accuracy. We reduced the cost by 30%. Ukraine will enter a new league.

Fedorov also listed unfinished business, including full procurement reform, NATO-standard restructuring, and fostering accountability for decisions. One MP from Zelenskyy's Servant of the People party told POLITICO the reasons for his removal were "conflict with army command and failed military mobilization reform," describing his work as "only an imitation of reforms, just slides."

Tensions with top brass

The Kyiv Independent cited political analyst Volodymyr Fesenko saying friction between Fedorov and commander in chief Col Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi was central to the decision. A meeting of Zelenskyy, Fedorov, and Syrsky preceded the move. Zelenskyy told journalists he wants the military "united" and "aligned." The Financial Times reported, based on sources, that Fedorov's anti-corruption efforts (blocking lucrative contracts favoured by well-connected firms) put him at odds with powerful figures in Ukraine's political and defence establishment.

It is a pity our country today is significantly further from victory. Real reforms have not even been allowed to begin, although we have still managed to bring about a great deal of change.

Government-wide overhaul

Zelenskyy's surprise Sunday announcement removed Svyrydenko after a year as prime minister. Parliament accepted her resignation on Tuesday. Naftogaz chief Serhiy Koretskyi is the likely successor, while Svyrydenko may become ambassador to the United States. Under Ukraine's system, the president nominates defence and foreign ministers, subject to parliamentary approval. A vote is scheduled for Thursday.

We can shuffle around anything we want, but I have a request: at least leave the defence ministry stable.

Achievements cited, protests called

Fedorov's own accounting included raising drone interception from 83% to 91%, cruise missile interception from 47% to 87%, contracting Patriot missiles, and launching unpopular but "extremely necessary" military reforms (salary improvements, leave, overseas recruitment, and incentives for deserters to return). On his last day, he revealed a successful ballistic missile test with a 30% cost reduction. Nevertheless, critics organised public protests via social media for Thursday. Ihor Klymenko, the current interior minister and former national police chief, is widely reported as the likely replacement.

How is it that Zelenskyy's only sensible appointment, Minister Fedorov, is in limbo today?

What comes next

It remains unclear whether Fedorov will receive another cabinet post. He closed his Telegram message with "To be continued," pledging to keep working on the mission of defeating the enemy through "asymmetry, rapid innovation and a strong organisation." The parliamentary vote and possible confirmation of Klymenko are expected Thursday.