Fedorov Leaves Defense Minister's Cooperation Offer Unanswered

Defense Minister Khmara's Press Briefing

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: At a briefing for the media, Defense Minister Yevhenii Khmara said he had proposed to his predecessor, Mykhailo Fedorov, any format of joint project work, but had still not received a response from him as of the event. Khmara underlined the need to preserve the Defense Ministry team, announced personnel changes, and pledged to step up digital transformation and cognitive warfare efforts. The comments come as Ukraine's defense leadership recalibrates its priorities amid the ongoing war.

New Appointments Announced

Among the personnel moves unveiled:

• Mykola Shvydkyi will take responsibility for front-line work;
• Liubov Halan will manage the development and preservation of the Defense Forces' human capital;
• Serhiy Boyov is returning to the team at Khmara's request, as his experience is considered essential for dealing with international partners;
• Hanna Hvozdiar will become deputy minister overseeing the defense-industrial complex (DIC) and exports.

Khmara also stated that the Defense Ministry would actively pursue digital transformation and the cognitive warfare front. He stressed that he had had one meeting with Fedorov in July, without offering him any particular role.

'Keeping the Defense Ministry team is the priority. Strong specialists with expertise and a clear state position remain in the ministry. Their mission is to provide continuity, continue vital projects, and reinforce the areas that require extra attention.' – Yevhenii Khmara

The minister went on to stress unity around a common goal, emphasizing that the line of contact, work of the Defense Ministry, decisions of the Verkhovna Rada, public support, the DIC's capacities, and partner aid all need to act as a single system. Khmara assured that he and the commander-in-chief share the same vision for the next steps.

This briefing signals an effort to keep the ministry stable and to carry on the key initiatives strengthening the country's defense. In the face of growing challenges and the imperative to adapt to new technologies, the stated emphasis on digital transformation and cognitive warfare could be decisive for Ukraine’s effectiveness abroad. Further actions and continued cooperation with international partners are vital to the success of defense plans.

As the Defense Ministry emphasizes the need for a unified approach in its operations, recent events have seen Ukraine take bold steps against Russia's military capabilities. This includes significant developments in offensive strategies, as detailed in a recent report on Ukraine's historic strikes in Siberia. For more insights into these strategic shifts, you can read about how the new leadership is reshaping the defense landscape here.