Key facts
- Former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov rejected all government positions offered by President Volodymyr Zelensky.
- Fedorov stated he will only accept reinstatement to his former role as defense minister.
- Fedorov believes only the president, defense minister, and commander-in-chief can shape the course of the war.
- Thousands of protesters have rallied in Ukraine demanding Fedorov's reinstatement.
- Protests come at a critical time for Ukraine's fight against Russia.
Ousted Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has stated he will only accept his former position, rejecting other government roles offered by President Volodymyr Zelensky. This stance escalates a political crisis amid ongoing protests demanding his reinstatement.
Fedorov, who was dismissed this month, said that only the positions of president, military chief, and defense minister could "actually shape the course of the war." He added that no other role carries the authority to combat procurement corruption, complete the army's transformation, or plan and execute asymmetric operations against the enemy.