Ukraine’s Cabinet Shake-up Puts Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov in the Spotlight

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced a second cabinet reshuffle within a year, with Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov— a 35-year-old former digital-transformation chief— facing possible removal. The decision comes as Ukraine’s war with Russia enters a critical phase, and parliament must approve any new ministerial appointments before a vote scheduled for Thursday.

Reuters

Since taking the defence portfolio six months ago, Fedorov has pursued an aggressive overhaul aimed at modernising an out-manned army. His initiatives include streamlining procurement, expanding drone acquisitions, and applying data-driven tactics to wear down Russian forces. Earlier, as minister for digital transformation, he consolidated state services into a widely used mobile app.

Reuters

Supporters highlight Fedorov’s impact on the battlefield. Andriy Nazarenko, commander of the 72nd Mechanised Brigade’s unmanned systems battalion “Bulava,” told Reuters he “unequivocally” supports Fedorov, a view he says is shared among many military contacts. Serhii Kuzan, head of the Ukrainian Security and Cooperation Center think-tank, warned that any progress must be “institutionalised” to reduce reliance on a single individual.

Reuters

Fedorov’s push to clean up defence procurement has angered elements of the establishment, and some lawmakers criticize his pace on recruitment reforms. Opposition lawmaker Solomiia Bobrovska warned, “We can shuffle around anything we want, but I have a request: at least leave the defence ministry stable.” Volunteer and drone-warfare advocate Maria Berlinska praised his “out-of-the-box thinking” but noted the uncertainty surrounding his future could destabilise a key ministry at a moment when Ukraine is pressuring Russian energy infrastructure and confronting shortages of air-defence interceptors.

Reuters

• “I see before me a thoughtful, mature Ukrainian with Cossack military cunning,” — Maria Berlinska, volunteer and drone-warfare advocate

Reuters

• “We can shuffle around anything we want, but I have a request: at least leave the defence ministry stable,” — Solomiia Bobrovska, opposition lawmaker

Reuters

• “It is exactly this kind of approach that ensures the stability of state processes in the long term.” — Serhii Kuzan, head of the Ukrainian Security and Cooperation Center think-tank

Reuters