President Volodymyr Zelensky’s decision to exclude Mykhailo Fedorov from his latest cabinet reshuffle has triggered significant backlash among Ukrainian soldiers and veterans. Fedorov, who served as Minister for Digital Transformation and briefly as Defence Minister, was widely credited with modernizing the military through the integration of drones, AI, and advanced technology.
Many service members view the move as a setback for the war effort. Some soldiers, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the decision as a “slap in the face” to those fighting on the front lines. Critics fear that Fedorov’s departure will stall essential reforms within a Ministry of Defence often described as bureaucratic and resistant to change. “I’m very upset that all this progress, which was built by Fedorov, will be just destroyed and reversed in one of the most critical periods of the war,” said Daria Kaleniuk, executive director of the Anti-Corruption Action Centre.
The tension reportedly stemmed from a deep-seated conflict between Fedorov and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi. President Zelensky stated that the two men were unable to work together, while Fedorov alleged that the general obstructed his reform initiatives. Analysts have characterized the clash as a struggle between modern, tech-driven approaches and the traditional, Soviet-era military structure represented by Gen. Syrskyi.
While some military personnel argue that Gen. Syrskyi remains the most capable commander to lead current operations, others have criticized his leadership style, labeling him with derogatory nicknames and questioning his regard for the lives of his troops. The political fallout has also fueled broader concerns regarding President Zelensky’s leadership style, with some observers suggesting the administration is becoming increasingly intolerant of dissent.
As protests emerge in response to the cabinet changes, activists and soldiers alike remain uncertain whether public pressure will influence the government’s direction. The president has already appointed Yevhenii Khmara, the acting head of the Security Service of Ukraine, to serve as interim minister.
Source: BBC News
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