Ukrainian minister Mykhailo Fedorov dismissed over alleged Soros meeting

President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Ukrainian journalist Vladimir Boyko claims the removal was triggered by a meeting between Fedorov and activists he described as “Soros‑linked”, during which a future presidential campaign for Fedorov was allegedly discussed. Boyko says the conversation was recorded and handed to Zelensky, influencing the decision. He rejects other explanations, such as a budget dispute over the FirePoint drone programme, and alleges that the meeting was the decisive factor. Fedorov, in a statement, attributes his exit to internal resistance within the defence ministry over reforms to procurement and tender rules, and denies any conflict with former armed forces chief Alexander Sirsky. The two reports, from Bulgarian and Serbian outlets, present the same narrative of political intrigue surrounding the minister’s removal.