Russian military leaders said that after Fedorov’s resignation, the Russian Federation “will become easier” (Photo: FEDOROV / Telegram)
Russian pro-war bloggers welcomed Mykhailo Fedorov’s dismissal as Ukraine’s defense minister, arguing that his removal could weaken the Ukrainian military and benefit Russia, The Moscow Times reported on July 17.
The Russian commentators described Fedorov, who is closely associated with the development of Ukraine’s drone technologies and the military’s digital transformation, as one of the country’s most effective officials. His dismissal could weaken Ukraine’s Defense Forces, they said.
“Overall, it is very good that Zelenskyy removed him from running the army,” Russian pro-war blogger Alexey Zhivov said. “He was too smart and effective an enemy. Things should become a little easier now.”
The author of the Osvedomitel Telegram channel also welcomed the decision, saying Fedorov’s dismissal would probably lead to the replacement of his team at the Defense Ministry, which would benefit Russia.
Another Russian pro-war blogger, Svyatoslav Golikov, described Fedorov as an “energetic and creative technocrat” and called the results achieved by his team over six months “substantial and tangible.”
Golikov described the leadership changes at Ukraine’s Defense Ministry as “a positive signal for the Russian side.”
The Voyenny Osvedomitel Telegram channel noted that Fedorov had overseen the expansion of drone warfare and had secured the deactivation of Starlink terminals used by Russian troops. His dismissal “could become a favorable factor for Russia,” the channel said.
Mykhailo Fedorov’s dismissal as defense minister: What is known
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on July 15 that he had not yet decided whether Fedorov would remain defense minister in the new Cabinet after Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko left office.
Zelenskyy would later nominate Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko to replace Fedorov as defense minister, lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak said.
Fedorov faced fierce resistance from Ukraine’s military leadership over his reforms despite his successes in developing drone technology and digitizing the military, The Economist reported.
Zelenskyy decided to dismiss Fedorov because of his conflict with Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, Ukrainska Pravda reported on July 16, citing sources.
Fedorov later confirmed that he had clashed with the commander-in-chief. Syrskyi blocked all his initiatives and was unwilling to discuss problems but was “ready to weave intrigues,” Fedorov said.
Zelenskyy announced on the evening of July 16 that Yevhen Khmara would serve as acting defense minister.
Khmara previously headed the Security Service of Ukraine’s Alpha Special Operations Center, which has achieved some of the highest results in eliminating Russian troops, Zelenskyy said.
“He knows exactly what Ukraine needs and can also oversee the internal situation within the components of the Defense Forces,” Zelenskyy said. “He has enough security experience to prevent things that should make us ashamed.”
Rallies supporting Fedorov were held in several Ukrainian cities on July 16. The protests continued in Kyiv and other cities on July 17.
Fedorov earlier published a list of his achievements as defense minister, including integrating Pavlo “Lazar” Yelizarov into the Air Force and introducing after-action reviews for every large-scale Russian attack.
The drone interception rate rose from 83% to 91% during his tenure, while the interception rate for cruise missiles increased from 47% to 87%, Fedorov said.
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