Zelenskyy fires Fedorov, SBU general takes over Ukraine defence ministry
A wartime civil-military split over the pace of technological reform and mobilisation produced a public rupture when the president sided with the General Staff.
A wartime civil-military split over the pace of technological reform and mobilisation produced a public rupture when the president sided with the General Staff.
On July 15 Zelenskyy removed Mykhailo Fedorov from the defence ministry after six months; protests followed and an SBU general was named acting minister the next day.
Why it matters: Ukraine's drone edge and procurement transparency are now under new leadership while the Verkhovna Rada still must confirm a permanent minister.
Date to watch: Verkhovna Rada vote on permanent Defence Minister nomination expected within days of July 16.
Sources:
- Office of the President of Ukraine / Zelenskyy X post on Khmara appointment (2026-07-16)
https://x.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/2077783257714675889 - Office of the President of Ukraine official news (2026-07-16)
https://www.president.gov.ua/en/news - Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (2026-01-14)
https://www.rada.gov.ua/en - Kyiv Independent reporting on dismissal and July 16 protests (2026-07-16)
https://kyivindependent.com/ - Mykhailo Fedorov social post confirming dismissal and listing achievements (2026-07-15)
https://korabelov.info/en/2026/07/598332/22-victories-and-three-shortcomings-fedorov-reported-and-left-the-ministry-of-defense/
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