Zelenski's fired defence minister rejects all alternative posts, demands reinstatement as protest deadline looms

Fedorov's ultimatum

Mykhailo Fedorov, sacked as Ukraine's defence minister this month, told reporters on Thursday 23 July 2026 that only the presidency, the army chief's role and the defence ministry could "effectively influence the course of the war". He said he would not accept any alternative post offered by President Volodymyr Zelenski, including a vice-prime-ministership for defence innovation that Zelenski had floated earlier the same day.

“No other role holds the effective authority to combat corruption in procurement, to complete the transformation of the army, to plan and execute asymmetric operations against the enemy.”

The former minister, credited by supporters with having "cleaned up" the defence ministry during his six-month tenure, said his team joined the ministry in January 2026 with a concrete plan called "AIR-LAND-ECONOMY": protecting airspace, holding the front line and striking Russia's economy. He claimed the strategy let Ukraine "seize the initiative" and opened "a window of opportunity" to force Russia into peace talks from a position of strength.

Zelenski's counter-offer

Zelenski confirmed he had proposed several roles for Fedorov, singling out the vice-prime-minister portfolio for defence innovation. He did not signal any willingness to return Fedorov to the defence ministry. Talks between the two men are still under way, according to a source familiar with the matter. "I think they will talk again," the source said.

Strategy rift and leadership shake-up

Fedorov disclosed a divergence with the former commander-in-chief of Ukraine's armed forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi, over war strategy. Fedorov champions large-scale use of drones and advanced technology; Syrskyi argued for a more traditional military approach. Syrskyi, a 60-year-old general who had become unpopular, was himself replaced on Tuesday by Mykhailo Drapatyi, a younger and respected former commander of the joint forces. The defence ministry is currently held on an interim basis by Yevhen Khmara, a security-service official with no prior political experience. Parliament has yet to vote on any of the changes, and no session has been scheduled.

Street pressure and a deadline

Thousands of demonstrators have gathered in Kyiv and other cities over the past week, voicing anger at what they call Zelenski's lack of communication about his decision-making. Protest organisers have given the president until Friday to reappoint Fedorov. Dmytro Koziatynskyi, a military veteran who leads the protests, said on Thursday that Fedorov had "done the right thing" by holding firm.

“We absolutely must force this appointment. There must be reforms in the Ministry of Defence!”

More demonstrations are planned. The unrest comes at a precarious moment: Ukraine is battling to regain the initiative against Russia while enduring relentless battlefield attacks and devastating airstrikes on its cities. Fedorov served as defence minister from 14 January to 15 July 2026.