Ukraine's Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov Dismissed in Government Reshuffle
President Volodymyr Zelensky removed Mykhailo Fedorov from his post as defence minister on 15 July 2026, citing a clash with army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi and unresolved reforms. The dismissal was part of a broader cabinet reshuffle triggered by the resignation of Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko and the planned appointment of Naftogaz chief Serhiy Korezkyj as the new prime minister.
In a farewell post on Telegram, Fedorov listed 22 accomplishments during his six‑month tenure, including expanding drone production, cutting Russian access to Starlink, launching a logistics‑lockdown campaign against occupied Crimea, reforming procurement to save billions, and securing the first Patriot‑PAC‑2 missile contract. He noted three unfinished goals: bringing the ministry up to NATO standards, completing procurement reform, and building a culture of accountability.
Zelensky indicated that Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko is the likely successor, pending parliamentary approval. The change occurs as Ukraine continues intense fighting with Russia, relying on rapid military modernisation and Western aid.