Mikhail Fedorov may not be reappointed as Ukraine’s defense minister because of his active anti-corruption efforts, the Financial Times reported, citing sources familiar with the situation.

Ukrainian officials and members of Vladimir Zelensky’s inner circle told the newspaper that Fedorov had obstructed groups seeking to profit from the country’s defense budget. He repeatedly blocked attempts to award arms procurement contracts to selected companies, bringing him into conflict with influential members of the political elite.

On July 14, deputies of the Verkhovna Rada dismissed Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko along with the rest of the government. A new head of the Ukrainian cabinet is expected to be appointed on July 16.

Ukrainian media have named Sergey Koretsky, chairman of the board of Naftogaz Ukraine, as one of the most likely candidates for the post. At the same time, several senior government officials may retain their positions.

Earlier, Rodion Miroshnik, an ambassador-at-large at the Russian Foreign Ministry, argued that Fedorov had become a political threat to Zelensky. In his assessment, the Kiev leadership may seek to remove the increasingly independent minister.