Zelenskyy Ousts 6-Month Defense Minister Fedorov Over Mobilization Reform Failures
Updated
Updated · POLITICO Europe · Jul 15
Zelenskyy Ousts 6-Month Defense Minister Fedorov Over Mobilization Reform Failures
3 articles · Updated · POLITICO Europe · Jul 15
Summary
Mykhailo Fedorov will not be resubmitted as Ukraine's defense minister after this week's government resignation, a ruling-party lawmaker said after a Wednesday faction meeting.
The ouster was driven by clashes with army commanders and a failed military mobilization reform, according to the MP, who said Fedorov had delivered "only an imitation of reforms."
Fedorov had been credited with pushing a technology overhaul in Ukraine's military, but his disputes with top generals undercut his position inside the cabinet reshuffle launched by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The move comes in Zelenskyy's third cabinet shake-up, which also swept out Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko as he seeks to "breathe new life" into the government.
After cleaning up defense corruption, why was Ukraine's popular minister fired mid-war?
How will Kyiv's shakeup impact Trump’s Patriot missile deal and his call for peace talks?
Is Zelenskyy's government reset about winning the war or consolidating political power?
July 2026 Ukrainian Government Reshuffle: Fedorov’s Ouster, Cabinet Overhaul, and the Battle for Defense Reform
Overview
On July 15, 2026, Ukraine underwent a major government reshuffle, highlighted by the non-reappointment of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and the resignation of Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko, which led to the departure of the entire Cabinet. This comprehensive reset in leadership paves the way for a new government, with Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko widely expected to become the next Defence Minister. The changes sparked public concern and calls for demonstrations in Kyiv, as many citizens voiced frustration over frequent reshuffles and the replacement of effective ministers with more convenient figures, reflecting growing unease about political stability and reform.