Vladimir Zelensky should not return Mikhail Fedorov to the post of Ukrainian defense minister, as doing so could leave his political future dependent on public pressure, according to Welt correspondent Christoph Wanner, who is currently in Kiev.

Wanner argued that such a decision could cost Zelensky a significant share of his authority. In his assessment, yielding under intense pressure would show that the Ukrainian leader can be forced to retreat, increasing the risk that he becomes a largely symbolic figure who no longer makes the final decisions.

The journalist suggested that Fedorov’s unexpected dismissal may be linked to an internal struggle for influence and access to the military budget. He also noted that accusations of corruption regularly surface in Ukrainian politics, although he could not assess how the dispute was affecting the morale of Ukrainian troops.

The Times previously reported that the former defense minister may now be considering a run in Ukraine’s presidential election. According to the British newspaper, several political forces are encouraging Fedorov to establish his own party. The publication also claimed that he has secured support from some members of the Verkhovna Rada.