Ousted Ukrainian defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov has declined any alternative role in President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's government, while the EU agreed a new package of sanctions against Russia described as the largest in four years.
Key facts
- Mykhailo Fedorov has refused any role in Zelenskyy's government other than his former post.
- Fedorov said only in his previous role could he 'combat procurement corruption and complete the army's transformation'.
- The EU agreed its 21st sanctions package against Russia.
- EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called it 'the largest round in four years'.
- The measures target Russia's financial system, military-industrial complex and energy sector.
Mykhailo Fedorov, the ousted Ukrainian defence minister, has said he will not accept any other role in President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s government, according to the Guardian’s Europe live coverage.
Fedorov stated that only in his former post could he ‘combat procurement corruption and complete the army’s transformation’, signalling that a different position would not allow him to pursue those goals.
The development came as the European Union agreed a new round of sanctions targeting Russia. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described the measures as ‘the largest round in four years’ and said they would ‘hit Putin where it hurts most’.
In a statement, Kallas said: ‘We have agreed on the 21st sanctions package against Russia. It delivers sweeping measures targeting Moscow’s financial system, its military-industrial complex and energy sector, that keep Russia’s war economy running.’
The sanctions package is aimed at the sectors that the EU says sustain Russia’s war economy, according to Kallas’s statement reported by the Guardian.
The two developments were reported together as part of the Guardian’s live coverage of events across Europe on 23 July 2026.
Why it matters
Fedorov's refusal underscores tensions within Ukraine's leadership over defence procurement and military reform during wartime. At the same time, the EU's largest sanctions package in four years signals continued Western pressure on Russia's war economy.
Frequently asked questions
Why did Mykhailo Fedorov refuse another government role?
Fedorov said only in his former post as defence minister could he 'combat procurement corruption and complete the army's transformation', according to the Guardian.
What does the new EU sanctions package target?
According to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, the 21st sanctions package targets Moscow's financial system, its military-industrial complex and its energy sector.
How significant is the latest EU sanctions round?
Kaja Kallas described it as 'the largest round in four years' and said it would 'hit Putin where it hurts most'.