Former Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov Becomes Adviser on Defence Innovation to Italy

On August 28, Mykhailo Fedorov announced that he had accepted an invitation from Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto to serve as an “advisor on defence innovation.” Fedorov will remain based in Kyiv and will help Italy develop modern-warfare technologies, improve its defence sector, and adapt to emerging security challenges.

The Straits TimesKyiv IndependentUnited24 MediaFedorov became an adviser to Italy’s Minister of Defense Fedorov, dismissed by Zelenski, will advise Italy Italy’s Crosetto Appoints Fedorov as Defense Innovation Adviser

Fedorov was removed from the Ukrainian defence ministry on July 15, when President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed Yevhen Khmara as acting defence minister. The dismissal triggered the largest wartime protests in Ukraine, with thousands taking to the streets and calling for Fedorov’s reinstatement. During the protests, his public profile rose, and he was mentioned as a potential presidential contender.

The Straits Times

Guido Crosetto’s ministry has taken a cautious approach to the war in Ukraine. On June 19, Crosetto said Italy would not fund NATO’s Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL). On June 25, Rome and Paris voiced concerns over an EU proposal to bar former Russian combatants, preferring visa-policy solutions. A July 3 scheduled objection to an EU visa ban on Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill further illustrates Italy’s reluctance to deepen military involvement.

Italy’s Crosetto Appoints Fedorov as Defense Innovation Adviser

• Crosetto explained that he contacted Fedorov “the day after his resignation” and invited him to serve as an adviser, describing the partnership as an “important opportunity” for Italy.

United24 Media

• Fedorov’s press service emphasized that his primary focus will remain on Ukrainian projects that strengthen national defence and attract international resources.

Kyiv Independent

• The Ukrainian presidential administration offered no comment on the appointment.

The Straits Times

• “In this role, I will help Italy develop technologies for modern warfare, improve its defence sector, and adapt to the world’s new security challenges,” — Mykhailo Fedorov, ousted defence minister

The Straits Times

• “I called him the day after his resignation and said: ‘When do you want to come to Rome and work as my advisor?’” — Guido Crosetto, italian defence minister

United24 Media

• “I thanked Guido for his personal support and for inviting me to serve as his adviser on defense innovation.” — Mykhailo Fedorov, ousted defence minister

Kyiv Independent

• “During the meeting, we discussed drones, autonomous systems, air defense, and the development of the defense tech ecosystem,” — Mykhailo Fedorov, ousted defence minister

Kyiv Independent

• “Ukraine’s experience can become the foundation for a new European defense model,” — Mykhailo Fedorov, ousted defence minister

Italy’s Crosetto Appoints Fedorov as Defense Innovation Adviser

• “We have said no from the beginning, and it is still a no,” — Guido Crosetto, italian defence minister

Italy’s Crosetto Appoints Fedorov as Defense Innovation Adviser

Fedorov’s tenure as defence minister was marked by initiatives such as disconnecting Russian access to Starlink terminals and launching procurement reforms. His expertise in digital and defence technology is positioned to inform Italy’s efforts to modernise its armed forces and could serve as a model for broader European defence collaboration. By sharing Ukraine’s wartime experience, the partnership may accelerate testing and scaling of drones, autonomous systems, and air-defence solutions across the continent.

United24 Media

He also signalled forthcoming meetings with other international partners to discuss digitalisation, defence technology, and joint initiatives.

Fedorov became an adviser to Italy’s Minister of Defense