Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said he contacted dismissed Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and offered him a position as his advisor. Crosetto praised Fedorov's role in advancing new technologies that changed battlefield rules. Fedorov's response was not immediately reported.
Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto revealed on Sunday that he contacted dismissed Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and offered him a position as his advisor. In a statement, Crosetto said he called Fedorov the day after his dismissal, asking when he would come to Rome to work with him. Crosetto praised Fedorov as embodying innovation and credited him with changing the rules of the battlefield through new technologies, enabling Ukraine to first halt the Russian advance and then move to the offensive.
The offer comes amid the ongoing political fallout from Fedorov's dismissal last week. As The Zioneer has reported, Fedorov was fired after a conflict with Ukrainian army chief Oleksandr Syrsky, triggering public protests and criticism of President Zelenskyy. Fedorov subsequently announced he would only accept reappointment as defense minister and rejected other roles. Zelenskyy had reportedly considered reinstating Fedorov or appointing him to a senior defense technology role.
Crosetto's intervention adds an international dimension to the crisis. The Italian defense minister, who has been a vocal supporter of Ukraine, framed the offer as a recognition of Fedorov's expertise in modernizing warfare. Crosetto also noted that Fedorov faced resistance to change, a phenomenon he said exists in Italy, France, and Germany as well.
It is not yet clear whether Fedorov will accept the offer. The dismissed minister has not publicly responded to Crosetto's proposal.
- DevelopingZelenskyy reportedly considers reappointing Fedorov as defense minister day after dismissal
- DevelopingFedorov says he will only return as defense minister, rejects other roles
- StrongN12 reports: Zelensky to appoint Fedorov to senior defense tech role
- DevelopingProtests against Ukraine's army chief Syrsky escalate as dismissed defense minister speaks out
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