Ukraine's Syrsky Apologizes to Ousted Minister Fedorov as Protests Follow 1 Dismissal

3 articles · Updated · Meduza · Jul 20

Oleksandr Syrsky used a July 20 column to apologize to former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, saying he did not know they had a conflict and was sorry if he caused offense.
The statement came after Fedorov's ouster triggered protests across Ukraine, with Fedorov saying his dismissal stemmed from a clash with Syrsky and public criticism then shifting onto the military chief.
Syrsky also pushed back on broader attacks, saying he would not publicize a war strategy, had created the Unmanned Systems Forces, and opposed diverting soldiers' pay to drone purchases.
By publicly denying a feud and urging officials to focus on victory, Syrsky sought to blunt resignation rumors and reframe the dispute as a distraction from wartime priorities.