Fedorov explained for the first time why he was absent from the protests
Former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov stated that he does not plan to lead protests following his dismissal. He believes that his presence at such events could alter how they are perceived and turn the protest into a political rally. At the same time, Fedorov emphasized that his team continues to work at the Defense Ministry and that the projects launched during his tenure are moving forward.
Former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov stated that he does not intend to lead protest rallies. According to him, such participation could be perceived as a political move, even though people are taking to the streets not because of his dismissal. Fedorov spoke about this in a podcast with volunteer and blogger Serhiy Sternenko. “I will not lead the protest, as this would be perceived as a political move. And our task is to win the war,” Fedorov said.
He explained that his appearance at the rallies could change attitudes toward the protests. According to the former minister, people are taking to the streets to support reforms, not to defend him personally. “As soon as I showed up anywhere, it would be perceived by many Ukrainians—who came out not for me but to support the reforms—as a political move,” Fedorov explained.
What Will Happen to Defense Reforms
Fedorov noted that continuing reforms in the defense sector remains his top priority. He said the team he assembled at the Ministry of Defense continues to work even after his dismissal. It will carry out its tasks until a new head of the ministry is appointed.
Also, according to Fedorov, the projects launched during his tenure are still moving forward. The former minister emphasized that there is a widespread belief in Ukraine that once someone is dismissed from public office, they can no longer influence processes.
Fedorov disagrees with this. “There are many ways to get things done. People from our team are working until a new minister is appointed, and the projects we launched are still underway,” he said. In his view, the ability to work toward results does not disappear along with a government position. “In our country, there’s a widespread belief that if you’ve left office, you can’t do anything anymore—you don’t have any connections. That’s not true,” Fedorov added.
Could Fedorov Return to the Ministry of Defense?
At the same time, the former minister does not rule out the possibility of heading the Ministry of Defense again in the future. Fedorov did not categorically rule out the possibility of returning to this position. However, he said that it is more important right now for the defense ministry to have a fully-fledged leader as soon as possible.
He emphasized that regardless of who exactly becomes the new defense minister, the appointment should not be delayed. Thus, Fedorov does not currently plan to become the face of the protests, but he also does not intend to step away from work in the defense sector. He stated that his team continues to work, and the reforms and projects launched during his tenure should continue. He spoke about this during a podcast with volunteer and blogger Serhiy Sternenko.
Former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov stated that he has no moral right to pursue any other endeavors except returning to his post. Despite receiving offers to go into business or other fields, Fedorov emphasized the importance of continuing the fight. According to him, as long as Ukrainians believe in the possibility of positive change, there remains a chance for him to return to lead the Defense Ministry.
