Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Telegram
Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has rejected a new position offered by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, insisting he wants to return only to the Defense Ministry, Financial Times journalist Christopher Miller reported.
According to the report, Zelenskyy offered Fedorov a role under Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council (NSDC), which would have given him direct access to the president and authority to oversee defense innovation and military reform.
While Miller did not specify the title, ZN.UA previously reported that Zelenskyy had proposed appointing Fedorov as a miltech czar responsible for coordinating the development of military technologies. Ukraine's international partners had expected him to accept the role.
Under the proposal, Fedorov would have supervised defense technology programs and efforts to expand long-range weapons production, allowing him to continue advancing reforms outside the Defense Ministry and military command structure, sources told the Financial Times. The position would also have included attracting foreign investment into Ukraine's defense industry.
Fedorov had previously declined an offer to serve as an adviser to President Zelenskyy, saying he had never sought government positions for their own sake and remained focused on his work rather than holding office.
