Ukraine Defense Minister Ousted Amid Protests Over Drone Strategy Clashes

Kyiv and other major Ukrainian cities erupted in protests after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy abruptly dismissed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who had been instrumental in bolstering the nation's drone warfare capabilities. Fedorov, 35, was removed after just six months in the role, reportedly due to conflicts with entrenched military elites.

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Fedorov is the real defense minister

Thousands of citizens and young people took to the streets, holding signs that read "Fedorov is the real defense minister" and "Why ruin a system that works?" Protesters also called for the resignation of Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. Following his dismissal, Fedorov held a press conference, criticizing Ukraine's war strategy, corrupt defense contracts, and the military's command structure. He specifically targeted Syrskyi, accusing the military leadership of clinging to outdated thinking and obstructing reforms.

Fedorov, previously recognized for developing the successful government app 'Diia,' had been tasked with modernizing the defense ministry and leading the 'army of drones' initiative. In just four months, his ministry supplied more drones than in the entire previous year, deploying advanced models and long-range strike drones. These efforts are credited with precision strikes on Russian oil facilities and supply lines deep within Russian territory, causing significant fuel shortages. He also reportedly persuaded Elon Musk to remotely disable Starlink terminals used by Russian forces, disrupting their drone command networks. Transparent bidding processes were introduced, reportedly saving billions in state funds.

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Why ruin a system that works?

Despite these achievements, Zelenskyy cited irreconcilable conflicts between Fedorov and Syrskyi as the reason for the dismissal. "Both sides could not resolve their conflicts, so I had to make a decision," Zelenskyy stated, acknowledging the dispute had reached an uncontrollable level. Some speculate that Zelenskyy removed Fedorov due to his rising popularity, viewing him as a political threat. Syrskyi, trained in Soviet military doctrine, prioritizes manpower mobilization and traditional defense tactics, expressing skepticism about relying solely on technology and drones. His supporters argue that Fedorov's focus on striking Russian territory has led to increased Russian air attacks on Ukraine, with Russia recently capturing the key city of Kostiantynivka in the eastern Donetsk region.

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Syrskyi must step down

The Verkhovna Rada postponed a vote on the nomination of Major General Yevhen Hura, the head of domestic intelligence, as Fedorov's successor, indicating that political conflicts remain unresolved.

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Technology has completely changed the paradigm of war, but the military leadership is trapped in an outdated way of thinking and has repeatedly blocked reform plans and slandered me.