Zelensky Announces Defence Restructuring, Hints at Fedorov as New Defence Minister
Ukraine president eyes major shake-up in wartime leadership.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a significant announcement on Friday during his routine nightly address, revealing a planned overhaul of the Ministry of Defence's leadership structure, which could mark a pivotal change in how Ukraine manages its military strategy and operations amid the intensifying and prolonged conflict with invading Russian forces.
Broadcast via official social media channels to reach citizens across the nation and the international community, Zelensky articulated his firm decision to restructure the ministry, underscoring the necessity for adaptive and innovative governance in the defence sector to better address evolving threats, resource allocation challenges, and coordination with allied support in a war that has entered its critical stages.
The proposed successor highlighted in the address is Mikhailo Fedorov, presently serving as Ukraine's Minister of Digital Transformation, a 34-year-old official whose appointment would represent a striking generational shift, bringing youthful dynamism and technological acumen to one of the most crucial and high-pressure roles in the government during wartime.
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Fedorov has earned widespread recognition for his transformative contributions, including the rapid digitization of public services through the Diia app, robust advancements in cybersecurity defences against Russian hybrid attacks, and effective mobilization of global tech resources and drone technology innovations that have bolstered Ukraine's military capabilities on the battlefield.
This strategic personnel decision, if implemented, could inject renewed vigor and modern expertise into defence policymaking and execution, reflecting Zelensky's emphasis on merit-based leadership and forward-thinking approaches, though details regarding the timeline for the transition, formal acceptance by Fedorov, or the fate of the current defence minister remain undisclosed at this stage.
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