Mykhailo Fedorov remains firm on his desire to return as Defense Minister despite President Volodymyr Zelensky's dismissal.
Former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has stated that he will return to the government only if he is reinstated as the minister of defense. This follows his dismissal by President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has offered him a prominent position in the technology sector instead. Fedorov has rejected these alternative roles, maintaining that he is prepared to serve only as defense minister. During his tenure, Fedorov oversaw reforms that increased the share of technological weapons in the procurement budget from 60% to 90%. He noted that drones now account for approximately 95% of Russian troop losses on the front. Fedorov expressed his belief that the war is moving toward the 'robotisation of the front line,' where autonomous drones controlled by artificial intelligence will eventually fight each other. While protesters in Kyiv have gathered in thousands to demand his return, Fedorov has stated he will not become a political opponent of President Volodymyr Zelensky. He does not see his dismissal as a political struggle and does not want to be artificially dragged into politics.