Zelenskyy details rift with dismissed defense minister, saying some of his actions were misguided
Zelenskyy said Fedorov’s actions were misguided and cited a $27 billion defense budget gap, declining Patriot deliveries and mass protests.
- On Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly linked dismissed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov to a contentious Starlink episode with Elon Musk, calling Fedorov's involvement in mass protests and election calls "misguided."
- Earlier this year, the Defense Ministry incorrectly informed Zelenskyy that SpaceX had authorized Starlink usage over Russian territory, leading President Donald Trump to accuse him of deception after Musk denied the agreement.
- Zelenskyy reported a $27 billion Defense Ministry budget shortfall, while Patriot missile deliveries have declined from 675 in 2023 to 264 expected in 2026. He highlighted progress in Dnipropetrovsk, where Ukrainian forces have nearly recaptured the region.
- Fedorov rejected all four government positions Zelenskyy offered following his dismissal last month. The president defended military figures like Oleksandr Syrskyi against protesters' vilification, stating institutional respect was essential.
- Ukraine is developing alternatives to Starlink, including a European communications project, as Russia and China advance competing systems. Moscow continues demanding Ukrainian withdrawal from the Donbas as a settlement condition.
28 Articles
28 Articles
Zelenskyy details Fedorov fallout amid Starlink row and Patriot shortage
Zelenskyy publicly described his split with dismissed defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov and a Starlink-related clash with Donald Trump. His remarks highlighted mounting pressure on Ukraine’s war effort, from missiles and money to battlefield diplomacy.
The deposed minister of defense also calls for elections, but does not reveal whether he will run for president. He asks Zelenski to say whether he knew about corruption in his immediate environment.
Associated Press News
Zelenskyy details rift with dismissed defense minister, saying some of his actions were misguided
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says actions by dismissed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, including his involvement in protests and calls for elections, were misguided.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy offered the first details of his dispute with the deposed Defense Minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, noting that he believes that some of the actions taken by the now former official — such as his participation in mass protests and his calls for elections — were misguided.
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