Fedorov Rejects Zelensky’s 3 Job Offers, Demands Return as Defense Minister
Updated
Updated · Kyiv Independent · Jul 23
Fedorov Rejects Zelensky’s 3 Job Offers, Demands Return as Defense Minister
3 articles · Updated · Kyiv Independent · Jul 23
Summary
July 23 talks between Volodymyr Zelensky and Mykhailo Fedorov ended with Fedorov refusing every alternative post and saying he would return only as defense minister.
Fedorov said only three positions — president, defense minister and commander-in-chief — can shape the war, arguing no other role gives him authority to fight procurement corruption and complete army reforms.
Zelensky had publicly floated other jobs, including deputy prime minister for military innovation, while signaling little willingness to reverse Fedorov’s July 14 dismissal.
That standoff keeps one of protesters’ two demands unmet after commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi was dismissed on July 21, and organizers have called nationwide protests from July 24.