It is a decision that has been rumored for some weeks now. Those nations that are the major supporters of Ukraine in its war against an unprovoked invasion in February 2022 are scratching their heads this Thursday. The question they are all asking is why Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sacked his Defense Minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, today.
The Defense chief was not only well thought of, but the adjectives usually written in front of his name put him a cut above previous occupants of that office. “Popular”, “dynamic”, “tech-savvy “, “innovative”, and “Silicon Valley-type” were some of the more common positive qualities attributed to him.
Ukraine Artillery Strike. Ukraine Armed Forces Photo.
The Ukrainian public that follows developments in this war against Russia – and that’s a large majority of the population – was well aware of how much he had revolutionized the Defense Ministry (MoD). They were also aware of how much Fedorov had accomplished despite having been in the job only six months, almost to the day.
Among other achievements, Fedorov had a great deal to do with the dramatic increase in the effectiveness of Ukraine’s drone warfare, among other innovations. These drone attacks have significantly reduced the output at Ukraine’s oil refineries and have caused petrol shortages all across Russia, affecting more than 50 regions.
The success of the drone war is one of the reasons that Fedorov’s dismissal today has sparked demonstrations in the capital, Kyiv, as well as in other cities. Ukrainians have seen just how much chaos, confusion and disruption of Russia’s war effort have been created by the drone wars. In numerous respects, Ukrainians have seen Fedorov’s innovations as the most effective way to date for their country to “hit back” against Russia.
Self-Inflicted Wound for Ukraine
At a press conference later today, President Zelensky said there had been a “challenging dialogue” between Fedorov, known for his reformist and modernizing influence, and the military’s Commander-in-Chief, Col. Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi.
“I would very much like to see unity. The sides have not found it. And the problem lies not only with the sides but with me as well,” The Ukrainian president said. “But things are as they are. And in such a situation, you have a choice: either one side or the other.”
The Ukrainian public has made it clear that they have chosen Fedorov’s side. More than 1,000 protesters assembled outside the presidential office in Kyiv on Thursday. Many of them were carrying placards with slogans in support of Fedorov. One of those seen in the demonstration read: “For what?” and another read: “Is your head screwed on?” There were also chants heard among those present of “Syrskyi out”.
Several news organizations covering the war in Ukraine have pointed out that this appears to have been another self-inflicted wound by Zelensky. It is only the second government decision since the 2022 invasion by Russia that has brought people into the streets in protest against his government. One year ago, Zelensky’s decision to close two anti-corruption agencies sparked an immediate round of demonstrations – prompting Zelensky to reverse his decision shortly thereafter.
Only The Beginning
Fedorov held his own separate press conference in which he leveled accusations at Ukraine’s senior military leadership. His main criticisms were that the generals and their acolytes have been obstructing reforms, remain too afflicted with the Soviet-style command structure and organizational methods, and refuse to change old habits.
He also said decisions on which military brigades are receiving more support than others – including which units are supplied with enough drones – are being taken on the basis of the perceived “loyalty” of those units rather than their record of performance. “It’s impossible to develop the [reformed] system on this basis,” he said.
Ukraine’s general staff had opposed his plans to develop centers of excellence and revamp the military’s organizational structure. Instead, his initiatives have been blocked, and the generals have engaged in “bureaucratic wrangling”. “Instead of thinking about how to asymmetrically defeat Russia, [Syrskyi] figured out how to split the country,” Fedorov said.
Fedorov also said he had proposed to Zelenskiy that he replace Syrskyi, a recommendation some say prompted his dismissal.
“This sort of culture needs to be eradicated, because otherwise we won’t be able to defeat an enemy whose system is plagued by the very same issues,” he said. “We have no other choice if we want to defeat Russia asymmetrically, with minimal losses,” said Fedorov.
Fedorov’s criticisms suggest that the political conflict over the president’s reshuffle is unlikely to subside and could escalate. Fedorov acknowledged Syrskyi’s accomplishments, including thwarting Russia’s plans to take Kyiv. But he also said that the Commander-in-Chief had refused to openly discuss the points on which they could not agree. Instead, he said the general had “weaved intrigues” which will only “divide the country”.
About the Author: Reuben F. Johnson
Reuben F. Johnson has thirty-six years of experience analyzing and reporting on foreign weapons systems, defense technologies, and international arms export policy. Johnson is the Director of Research at the Casimir Pulaski Foundation. He is also a survivor of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. He worked for years in the American defense industry as a foreign technology analyst and later as a consultant for the U.S. Department of Defense, the Departments of the Navy and Air Force, and the governments of the United Kingdom and Australia. In 2022-2023, he won two awards in a row for his defense reporting. He holds a bachelor’s degree from DePauw University and a master’s degree from Miami University in Ohio, with a specialization in Soviet and Russian studies. He lives in Warsaw.
