Ukraine Air Force Deputy Commander Resigns Over Defense Minister's Dismissal

A high-ranking Ukrainian air force officer has resigned to protest the dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, a move that has ignited public outcry and protests across Ukraine. Colonel Pavlo Elizarov, deputy commander of the Ukrainian Air Force and creator of a renowned drone unit, stated that Fedorov's ouster was a "great harm to the country's defense capability."

Fedorov, 35, had been in the post for only six months but had initiated significant reforms within the armed forces. His ministry reported improvements in intercepting Russian drones and cruise missiles, with interception rates rising from 83% to 91% for drones and 47% to 87% for cruise missiles. He also cited successes in disabling Starlink access for Russian forces and investing in intermediate strike capabilities.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Fedorov on Wednesday, July 15, triggering widespread protests planned for Thursday in major Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv. The parliament, the Rada, is expected to formally confirm his departure. Fedorov was known for his reportedly difficult relationship with the commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian army, General Oleksandr Syrsky.

Elizarov, who previously had a career in agribusiness and served briefly as a deputy minister of transport, joined the defense forces after Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. He specialized in drones, creating and commanding the "Lasar's group" unit, which claims to have destroyed $13 billion worth of Russian military equipment. In January 2026, Zelenskyy appointed him deputy commander of the Air Force to bolster the country's air defenses.

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I believe that the dismissal of Mr. Fedorov is a great harm to the country's defense capability. Glory to Ukraine!