President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed Ukraine's defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov after six months in post, despite appeals from foreign partners and civil society for him to stay.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed the country’s popular defence minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, as part of a wide-ranging government reshuffle, according to the Guardian.
Fedorov, who had held the post for six months, was widely credited with transforming the defence ministry and reducing corruption within it.
The decision came despite pleas from foreign partners and civil society for Fedorov to keep his job, the Guardian reported.
In a post on the messaging platform Telegram, Fedorov announced that he was leaving his position. He said it had been a “great honour” to serve the Ukrainian people.
The removal forms part of a broader shake-up of the Ukrainian government, though further details of the reshuffle were not specified in the available reporting.
Why it matters
The defence ministry is central to Ukraine's war effort, and Fedorov was praised for reform and anti-corruption work. His removal, against the wishes of international partners and civil society, raises questions about the direction of Ukraine's wartime leadership.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Mykhailo Fedorov?
Mykhailo Fedorov was Ukraine's defence minister, a role he held for six months. He was widely credited with transforming the defence ministry and reducing corruption, according to the Guardian.
Why was Fedorov dismissed?
According to the Guardian, Fedorov was removed as part of a wide-ranging government reshuffle by President Zelenskyy. The reporting does not provide a specific reason beyond the reshuffle.
Did anyone oppose his dismissal?
Yes. The Guardian reports that foreign partners and civil society had urged Zelenskyy to keep Fedorov in his job.