Syrsky commented on rumors of a conflict with Defense Minister Fedorov

Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi stated that there is no rift or conflict between him and Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, but rather discussions regarding their respective authorities. 

According to Syrskyi, the senior military leadership operates within a clear division of authority: the General Staff and the Ministry of Defense each have their own tasks, as defined by law. The Commander-in-Chief acknowledged that discussions or disagreements occasionally arise during the course of work at the intersection of these jurisdictions, but all are resolved constructively. He also emphasized that in the context of a full-scale war, any internal strife is unacceptable, as it plays exclusively into the enemy’s hands.

Rumors of possible friction between the teams began to surface as early as the beginning of January, when political circles were discussing the appointment of Mykhailo Fedorov to the Ministry of Defense and his likely authority regarding personnel changes. Later, representatives of the Public Anti-Corruption Council pointed to differing perspectives on the situation within the various agencies. However, Mykhailo Fedorov himself, in a recent June interview, also confirmed that he has a normal and productive relationship with the Commander-in-Chief, noting that they would not give the Russians the gift of an actual conflict.

The general spoke about this on June 30 in an exclusive interview with TSN TV, commenting on rumors of disagreements that had been circulating behind the scenes and in the media.

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