Ukrainian Defense Minister Announces Resignation

Ukrainian Defense Minister Announces Resignation

Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced his resignation on Wednesday as part of the government reshuffle sought by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Fedorov stated, "It has been a great honor to serve the Ukrainian people as Minister of Defense," in a long statement listing his ministry's achievements since taking office in January, followed by a second message in which he spoke about his failures.

The outgoing minister especially praised the progress Ukraine has made in the production and use of drones since the start of the war with Russia in February 2022, as well as wide-ranging reforms within the army.

Fedorov is among the supporters of expanding the use of drones, which have become a central element of the ongoing war.

Fedorov's announcement came a day after the Ukrainian parliament approved on Tuesday the resignation of Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, who had held the post for a year.

The former minister played a role in the agreement reached with Elon Musk to provide Starlink satellite communications services to Ukrainian forces.

Fedorov took office at the age of 35, making him the youngest minister of defense in the country's history.

Local media reported that current Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko may succeed Fedorov in the post.