Mykhailo Fedorov's Statement
Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has declared he is ready to return to government, but only as head of the Defense Ministry. He rejected every proposal put forward by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Fedorov's team entered the Defense Ministry in January 2026 with the explicit goal of ending the war—a mission that continues to shape their stance.
According to Fedorov, his team's strategy focused on three core objectives:
- securing the skies,
- stabilizing the front line,
- striking at the enemy's economy.
Within six months, the team managed to execute this plan. The former minister expressed gratitude to Zelenskyy for all the options presented, but made clear he accepted none of them.
Key Roles in Wartime
Fedorov believes the course of the war is determined by three critical positions: the President of Ukraine, the Minister of Defense, and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
“Today, there are only three positions in the state—aside from soldiers on the battlefield—that truly shape the war's trajectory,” he stated.This is precisely why he refuses any role other than Minister of Defense.
“Our joint results created something that didn't exist before—a window of opportunity to force Russia into peace through strength. And we cannot afford to lose it,” Fedorov added.
Fedorov's announcement underscores his unwavering focus on national defense and strategic military leadership. It highlights the outsized importance of the defense minister's role during an ongoing conflict, while signaling his team's commitment to continuing the fight for peace. By declining all other posts, he also sends a clear message about prioritizing concrete military objectives—a move that could significantly influence Ukraine's next steps in the war.
As Fedorov emphasizes the importance of the Defense Ministry role, it's worth noting that President Zelenskyy has also considered him for a position focused on military innovation. This proposal reflects the ongoing need for strategic leadership in Ukraine's defense efforts, which could significantly impact the nation's approach to the conflict. For more details on Zelenskyy's proposal, see Zelenskyy's suggestion for Fedorov's new position.