Overhaul at Ukraine's Defense Ministry
In a major restructuring move, Ukraine's Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has dismissed five deputy ministers. The government approved this decision on Wednesday, January 21. Some of the dismissed officials will remain within the ministry as advisors or project office heads.
Fedorov, who assumed leadership of the Defense Ministry on January 14, 2026, also announced the formation of dedicated drone assault units. These new formations will operate under a novel doctrine for unmanned aerial vehicle deployment.
“The creation of drone assault units is a crucial initiative. They will have a distinct structure and a new doctrine for drone warfare,” stated Mykhailo Fedorov.
The minister outlined that key stages for achieving strategic goals have been established, with the first priority being a management overhaul as a foundational step toward systemic change.
“Human capital and technology must work with maximum efficiency—only then can we stop Russia,” the minister added.
The list of dismissed deputy defense ministers includes:
- Anatolii Klochko
- Oleksandr Kozenko
- Mykola Shevtsov
- Volodymyr Zaverukha
- Hanna Gvozdiar
Concurrently, reports indicate that Ukraine's Code 9.2 – the 475th Separate Assault Regiment – conducted an operation in Kupiansk, Kharkiv Oblast, highlighting continued active military engagements on the front lines.
Modern Challenges and Leadership Shifts
The leadership changes at Ukraine's Defense Ministry reflect the new minister's drive to modernize the country's military structure and enhance its effectiveness. The establishment of specialized drone assault units signals an adaptation to contemporary warfare demands, particularly through leveraging advanced technology. These reforms underscore the critical role of managerial transformation in helping Ukraine achieve its strategic objectives amid the ongoing armed conflict. Fedorov, previously known for his digital transformation efforts, is now applying a tech-focused approach to defense.