Pekar Calls for Fedorov's Appointment as Deputy Defense Minister

Pekar Proposes Making Fedorov One of Three Deputy Defense Ministers

According to Radiotrek — Світ: On July 17, 2026, Ukrainian public figure Valeriy Pekar suggested appointing Mykhailo Fedorov as one of three deputy defense ministers, following Fedorov's resignation from his previous post. Pekar, a speaker, entrepreneur, publicist, and lecturer, emphasized that the Ministry of Defense urgently needs reform. This proposal comes amid ongoing efforts to strengthen Ukraine's defense sector during the war with Russia.

Proposal for New Deputies

In his proposal, Pekar outlined that the new deputy defense ministers should include:

• Yevheniy Khmara
• Mykhailo Fedorov
• Ihor Klymenko

He recommended appointing Yevheniy Khmara as acting defense minister, focusing on improving communication with all stakeholders in the national security and defense system, including the President of Ukraine and between the Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Pekar also noted that Mykhailo Fedorov would be tasked with continuing work on initiatives the Ministry of Defense has successfully implemented over the past six months. Meanwhile, Ihor Klymenko would be responsible for developing a mobilization reform addressing several aspects related to human capital within the Armed Forces.

“Purely theoretical. If I were prime minister. Within the powers of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, I would do the following.” - Valeriy Pekar

Pekar stressed the importance of these changes, stating that their outcomes could benefit not only the Ministry of Defense but also the Armed Forces, the president, the government, and active civil society.

According to Pekar, “Who benefits from such a decision: the Ministry of Defense, the Armed Forces, the president, the government, active civil society, weapons manufacturers, etc.” He also noted, “Who loses: Russians, Ukrainian corrupt officials.”

“This would be a solution 'outside the box.'” - Valeriy Pekar

Pekar's proposal to appoint Mykhailo Fedorov and other experts to key positions in the Ministry of Defense highlights the need for reforms amid current challenges to Ukraine's national security. Given the country's difficult situation, such changes could be a crucial step toward improving defense management and mobilization processes. Implementing these initiatives could positively impact cooperation between state institutions and the public, a key factor in achieving stability in the country.

As the discourse surrounding the restructuring of Ukraine's defense leadership intensifies, it is worth noting that President Zelenskyy is also considering significant changes within the Ministry of Defense. His plan to potentially replace the current defense minister with the head of the Interior Ministry could further reshape the national security landscape. For more insights on this development, see Zelenskyy's strategy for defense leadership.