Fedorov Rejects Zelensky’s Offers, Seeks Defense Return
Mikhail Fedorov rejected posts offered by Vladimir Zelensky after his dismissal and is pushing to return as Ukraine’s defense minister amid public protests.
Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov rejected several positions offered to him by Vladimir Zelensky after his dismissal, including a senior role in the National Security and Defense Council with broad powers, the Financial Times reported, citing a source.
According to the newspaper, Zelensky held six hours of talks with Fedorov over the weekend. The two also remained in contact almost every day following the former minister’s dismissal on Thursday, July 16.
Under one of the proposals, Fedorov would have overseen defense innovation and military reform. He turned down every offer, however, because he intends to return only as head of the Defense Ministry.
The Financial Times source said Fedorov retained considerable political leverage and was focused solely on being reinstated. The source also claimed that a large section of Ukrainian society supported the former minister.
The dispute emerged during another reshuffle of the Ukrainian government. Last week, the Verkhovna Rada dismissed Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko, prompting the entire cabinet, including the defense minister, to step down.
Rada lawmaker Yaroslav Zheleznyak previously said Zelensky had blamed Fedorov for the failure of the military recruitment office reform. After his dismissal, rallies were held in Kiev and other cities in support of the former minister and against Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Alexander Syrsky.
A permanent replacement at the Defense Ministry has yet to be appointed. Zelensky temporarily handed control of the ministry to Yevgeny Khmara, the acting head of the Security Service of Ukraine.