Key facts
- Ousted Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov rejected alternative government posts offered by President Volodymyr Zelensky.
- Fedorov insists on being reinstated to his former position as defense minister.
- Fedorov believes only the president, defense minister, and commander-in-chief can determine the course of the war.
- Fedorov's removal has triggered mass protests across Ukraine demanding his reinstatement.
- President Zelensky offered Fedorov the role of deputy prime minister for military innovation, which he refused.
Ukraine's ousted defense minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, has refused to accept alternative government positions offered by President Volodymyr Zelensky, insisting he wants his former role back. Fedorov stated that only the president, defense minister, and commander-in-chief can determine the course of the war, and he believes no other position would allow him to effectively drive innovation and reform. Zelensky had offered Fedorov several posts, including deputy prime minister for military innovation, but Fedorov declined. The removal of Fedorov, who is credited with transforming the armed forces and implementing data-driven improvements, triggered mass protests across Ukraine demanding his reinstatement. Some protesters have vowed to continue demonstrations until Fedorov is back in his former position. Fedorov has been replaced by Yevhenii Khmara, and Presidential adviser Dmytro Lytvyn indicated that discussions regarding Fedorov's future are ongoing.