Former Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov joins Italian Defence Ministry as innovation adviser

Appointment in Rome

Former Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has accepted a position as defence innovation adviser to Italy's Defence Ministry. Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto announced the appointment on 28 August 2026, publishing a photograph alongside Fedorov on the social media platform X. Crosetto praised Fedorov as a driving force behind military innovation who helped Ukraine regain initiative during the conflict with Russia. The Italian minister had initially extended the offer in July 2026 shortly after Fedorov left the Ukrainian government. Fedorov accepted the role after turning down competing advisory offers from the United States, the United Kingdom, and other European nations, confirming he will remain based in Kyiv.

I am therefore glad that Mykhailo Fedorov has accepted to offer his services as the defence innovation adviser.

Dismissal and Kyiv politics

The 35-year-old official was the youngest defence minister in Ukrainian history, holding office from January 2026 until his removal by President Volodymyr Zelensky six months later. His tenure included procurement and mobilisation reforms that generated resistance from military commanders and political opponents. Following his dismissal in July 2026, street demonstrations took place in Kyiv with thousands demanding his return to the ministry. Zelensky subsequently offered Fedorov other positions on 23 July 2026, including deputy prime minister for military innovation. Political friction expanded in August 2026 when Fedorov proposed holding elections, which remain suspended under martial law instituted during the February 2022 Russian invasion.

Technological background and mandate

Born in Vasylivka in the Zaporizhzhia region, Fedorov entered government in 2019 at age 28 as deputy prime minister and minister of digital transformation after working on Zelensky's presidential campaign. In that role, he created the Diia application to digitise administrative services before coordinating digital wartime efforts, including Starlink integration and uncrewed aerial systems. In discussions with Crosetto, the bilateral focus turned to drones, autonomous systems, and air defence capabilities. Fedorov stated that rapid testing and scaling of technology with industrial production must form the core of European defence planning.

In this role, I will assist Italy in adopting modern warfare technologies, enhancing its defense sector, and adapting to emerging global security challenges.

Italian coalition context

The appointment was welcomed by Italian Undersecretary of Defence Matteo Perego di Cremnago of Forza Italia, who called the collaboration an opportunity to strengthen national security through technological modernization. Italy has sent military equipment to Ukraine throughout the war, including radar equipment, Aster 30 missiles, and SAMP/T air defence batteries. The decision coincides with internal debates over Italian defence aid, with figures such as Lega leader Matteo Salvini expressing reservations regarding the scale of military assistance. Crosetto stressed that integrating battlefield tech expertise aligns Italian armed forces with wider Western operational procedures inside NATO. Fedorov affirmed that he will continue leading separate Ukrainian defence development projects during his foreign consultations.