Key facts
- Ukraine's Air Force Deputy Commander, Pavlo Yelizarov, resigned on July 16.
- Yelizarov's resignation follows President Volodymyr Zelensky's dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
- Yelizarov stated Fedorov's removal would increase Ukraine's vulnerability to Russian missile and drone attacks.
- Fedorov was known for his reform agenda, including analyzing aerial attacks and bolstering air defenses.
- Yelizarov was appointed by Fedorov to lead an effective drone unit.
- Yelizarov cited family circumstances as the reason for his departure from military service.
Pavlo Yelizarov, the Deputy Commander of Ukraine's Air Force, announced his resignation on July 16, expressing concern that the recent dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov would negatively impact the country's defense capabilities. Yelizarov, who was appointed to his role by President Volodymyr Zelensky on January 19, 2025, stated in a Facebook post that Fedorov's removal was "a great evil for the country's defense capability." He warned that this change in leadership would lead to increased casualties and destruction from Russian missile and drone attacks.
Fedorov, who had been widely respected for his reform agenda, focused on analyzing Russian aerial attacks and strengthening air defenses during his six-month tenure. He had appointed Yelizarov, a former leader of an effective drone unit specializing in high-precision strikes, as deputy commander of the Air Force. In his resignation letter, Yelizarov indicated he does not wish to continue serving in the Armed Forces, citing family circumstances as the basis for his discharge under Ukrainian law. He is seeking discharge under paragraph 3 of Part 12 of Article 26 of the Law "On Military Duty and Military Service."