Mykhailo Fedorov Joins Italy as Adviser on Defence Innovation

On August 28 former Ukrainian defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced that he had accepted Italian defence minister Guido Crosetto’s invitation to serve as an “advisor on defence innovation.” Fedorov will remain based in Kyiv, continue his work on Ukrainian defence projects, and assist Italy in developing modern warfare technologies, improving its defence sector, and adapting to emerging security challenges.

The Straits TimesMykhailo Fedorov becomes adviser to Italy’s defense minister on defense innovation United24 Media

Fedorov was dismissed from Ukraine’s defence ministry on July 15, a move that sparked rare wartime protests and led to the appointment of acting minister Yevhen Khmara. During his six-month tenure, Fedorov promoted a technology-driven approach to Ukraine’s war effort, including the disruption of Russian access to Starlink terminals and a “Logistics Lockdown” campaign. Italy, meanwhile, has taken a cautious stance toward direct military support for Ukraine: on June 19 Defence Minister Crosetto said Italy would not contribute funds to NATO’s Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List, and he has repeatedly ruled out deploying Italian troops to the conflict.

Italy’s Crosetto Appoints Fedorov as Defense Innovation Adviser The Straits TimesUnited24 Media

• July 15 (occurred) – Fedorov dismissed; Yevhen Khmara becomes acting defence minister.

The Straits Times

• August 28 (occurred) – Fedorov announces acceptance of advisory role with Italy’s defence ministry.

The Straits Times

Fedorov’s press office confirmed that he will continue living and working in Kyiv, emphasizing that his primary focus remains on Ukrainian defence projects and attracting international resources. The Ukrainian presidential administration issued no comment on the appointment.

The Straits Times

Italy’s invitation reflects a broader European interest in leveraging Ukraine’s battlefield innovations to modernise national defence capabilities. At the same time, the arrangement underscores Italy’s preference for indirect support—technology sharing and advisory assistance—rather than direct troop deployment or financial contributions to NATO-run procurement programmes.

Italy’s Crosetto Appoints Fedorov as Defense Innovation Adviser

• Age of Mykhailo Fedorov at the time of appointment: 35.

The Straits Times

• Tenure as Ukraine’s defence minister: roughly six months (mid-January 2024 – July 15 2024).

Italy’s Crosetto Appoints Fedorov as Defense Innovation Adviser

No Ukrainian presidential comment has been recorded, leaving the administration’s view of the advisory role undocumented. All other reported facts about the appointment are consistent across the sources.

Italy’s Crosetto Appoints Fedorov as Defense Innovation Adviser

• “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 offer to become his adviser on defense innovations,” — Mykhailo Fedorov, ousted defence minister

Politico Europe

• “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