Ukraine's ousted defence minister insists on being reinstated

What the report says

BBC World News reports that Ukraine’s dismissed defence minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, has rejected President Volodymyr Zelensky’s proposal that he take another role in government, including a deputy prime minister post focused on military innovation. In a statement, Fedorov said he wanted to return to the defence ministry, arguing that the presidency, defence ministry and commander-in-chief post are the key state positions shaping the war, aside from troops at the front.

According to the BBC, Fedorov’s removal last week set off large demonstrations in Ukraine. Zelensky has since dismissed commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, who had clashed with Fedorov, and appointed Mykhailo Drapatyi in his place. Some protesters, however, have said Syrskyi’s dismissal does not resolve their concerns and are continuing to demand Fedorov’s reinstatement.

Fedorov, 35, is described in the report as widely credited with military innovation, including the Army of Drones programme, improved battlefield use of data and anti-corruption efforts. He said his defence team had pursued a plan since January built around air defence, stabilising the front and targeting Russia’s economy, and argued that Ukraine had created a chance to pressure Moscow toward peace “through strength.”

The BBC says Fedorov has already been replaced by Yevhenii Khmara, a former senior official in Ukraine’s Security Service. Zelensky has defended the alternative post offered to Fedorov as important for coordinating innovation across the defence leadership. A presidential adviser said discussions were still continuing, leaving Fedorov’s future and the wider political standoff unresolved.