Israeli media outlet N12 reports that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced he will appoint Mykhailo Fedorov, the recently dismissed defense minister, to a senior role in defense technology. The appointment follows an ultimatum from army chief Syrsky that led to Fedorov's dismissal.
Israeli media outlet N12 now reports that President Zelensky's announcement of Mykhailo Fedorov to a senior defense technology role follows an ultimatum from army chief Oleksandr Syrsky, which led to Fedorov's dismissal. This detail adds new context to the leadership shake-up that unfolded earlier tonight.
At 22:43 Jerusalem, President Zelensky first stated he had replaced the armed forces chief, with no further details (Insider Paper). Minutes later, Israeli outlet ynet confirmed the dismissed chief was Oleksandr Syrsky. Then, at 22:43, Zelensky announced the full restructuring: Syrsky dismissed, Mykhailo Drapatyi appointed as new army chief, and recently dismissed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov assigned to a senior defense technology role. The Zioneer published a bulletin summarizing this at 23:04 Jerusalem.
The Zioneer has previously reported on the political crisis surrounding these moves, including protests against Syrsky's leadership and analysis identifying Fedorov as a key architect of Ukraine's technological modernization. The Financial Times earlier reported that Zelensky considered reappointing Fedorov as defense minister. His appointment to a defense technology role signals continuity of that focus.
The N12 report's claim that Fedorov's dismissal was the result of an ultimatum from Syrsky has not yet been confirmed by Ukrainian officials or other independent sources. The exact scope of Fedorov's new defense technology portfolio also remains unspecified.
3 developments
- DevelopingZelenskyy reportedly considers reappointing Fedorov as defense minister day after dismissal
- DevelopingThe Zioneer analysis: Zelenskyy's dismissal of Fedorov may be a strategic misstep
- StrongZelensky confirms dismissal of army chief Syrsky, appointment of Drapatyi in official Telegram post
- StrongCriticism mounts in Ukraine against army chief Syrsky over opposition to Fedorov's tenure — reports
Source and signal
- Internal intake