Ousted Ukraine Defence Minister Says Kyiv Losing War, Needs Vision

Ousted Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has stated that Ukraine appears to be slowly losing the war against Russia, warning that Kyiv has only a few months to implement crucial decisions to alter the conflict's trajectory. In an interview with Reuters, Fedorov expressed concern over a lack of overall vision for winning the war and a failure to innovate, attributing these issues to ingrained corruption and a lack of political independence in government institutions.

Fedorov, who was dismissed last month, indicated that while Ukraine still has a chance to win, it urgently needs a comprehensive plan. He highlighted the critical need for developing autonomous drones guided by artificial intelligence, affordable interceptor missiles to counter Russia's ballistic missile attacks, and advancing Ukraine's own ballistic missile program. He criticized the Ukrainian state's inefficiency, estimating its operational effectiveness at only 5%.

Regarding his previous decision to front-load spending for drone campaigns targeting Russian logistics, Fedorov disputed President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's claim of a $27 billion budget hole, stating his ministry had a plan relying on savings and international support. Fedorov also alleged that department heads at the defence ministry were appointed to lobby for defense companies.

Fedorov's earlier call for wartime elections, which he believes Ukraine can achieve through innovation despite logistical challenges, has been met with opposition from Zelenskiy, who argued it could destabilize the country. Fedorov plans to divide his time between advocating for elections and focusing on innovative military technologies, including establishing an investment fund.