Italy Offers Dismissed Ukrainian Defense Minister Advisory Role

Italy's Defense Minister Guido Crosetto has extended an offer of an advisory position to Mykhailo Fedorov, the recently dismissed Ukrainian Defense Minister. Crosetto stated he contacted Fedorov the day after his removal from office, inviting him to Rome to work as an advisor.

Fedorov, 35, has been widely lauded for his successes on the battlefield and his role in modernizing Ukraine's defense strategies. Crosetto described Fedorov as "one of the people who have completely rewritten the rules of the game on the battlefield," highlighting his innovative use of data to improve the Ukrainian army's performance and his leadership in anti-corruption campaigns.

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I called him the day after his dismissal and asked: When do you want to come to Rome and work with me as an advisor?

Fedorov reportedly found the offer "a gesture of esteem and friendship," though his response to the proposal remains unclear. His dismissal from the Ukrainian government, which occurred in mid-July, has been attributed partly to a conflict with the country's commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, who was also removed shortly after Fedorov. Fedorov has allegedly turned down an offer for the position of deputy prime minister, expressing a desire to return to his previous role as defense minister.

Protests have occurred in various parts of Ukraine following Fedorov's departure, with demonstrators in Kyiv advocating for his return. However, some Ukrainians support President Zelenskyy's decision. The situation remains under discussion, according to presidential advisor Dmytro Lytvyn.

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one of the people who have completely rewritten the rules of the game on the battlefield