Ousted Ukrainian Defense Chief Fedorov Accepts Advisory Role with Italy

Key points

• Fedorov confirmed on Friday that he will advise Crosetto on modern warfare technologies, drones, and autonomous systems.
• The Italian minister offered the position in July, shortly after Fedorov was removed from his post in a government reshuffle.
• Fedorov emphasized that his main focus remains in Ukraine, where he is establishing a defense investment fund and attracting international resources.
• The advisory role is part of a broader international trip for Fedorov’s team to discuss digitalization and defense tech ecosystems with partners.
• Fedorov has recently called for wartime elections, a stance that has intensified tensions with President Zelenskyy, who warns such elections could destabilize the country.

Background

Fedorov was ousted in mid-July 2026 after roughly six months as defense minister, amid conflicts with military leadership and policy disputes over mobilization reforms. His removal triggered rare wartime protests in Kyiv and other cities. Following his dismissal, Zelenskyy offered Fedorov several other government roles, including deputy prime minister for military innovation, but Fedorov declined them, insisting he would only return as defense minister. He subsequently appointed Yevhen Khmara as his successor. Fedorov has since sharpened his criticism of the president, arguing that Ukrainians must have a say in governance despite the ongoing Russian invasion.

How outlets are covering it

Politico highlights the strategic partnership aspect, noting Crosetto’s praise for Fedorov as an innovator who changed battlefield rules. Ukrainska Pravda and Ukrinform focus on the technical details of the advisory role, specifically mentioning drones, air defense, and the defense tech ecosystem. While all sources confirm Fedorov’s continued focus on Ukraine, Politico emphasizes his parallel work on a defense investment fund, whereas Ukrinform notes his broader international tour to discuss digitalization. There is no disagreement on the facts, but the emphasis varies between the political fallout of his dismissal (Politico) and the technical collaboration with Italy (Ukrainian outlets).

Why it matters

This development signals a shift in how Ukraine’s ousted officials engage with international partners, potentially creating a parallel channel for defense innovation outside the current government structure. It also underscores the ongoing political rift between Fedorov and Zelenskyy, as Fedorov continues to advocate for electoral changes while maintaining a high-profile international profile. For Italy, it represents an opportunity to integrate Ukrainian wartime technological expertise into its own defense modernization efforts.

What to watch

Fedorov’s team is expected to continue its international tour, with upcoming meetings focused on digitalization and new defense projects. In Ukraine, the political tension between Fedorov and Zelenskyy is likely to persist, particularly regarding the debate over wartime elections. The new defense minister, Yevhen Khmara, will continue to lead the ministry while Fedorov operates from the periphery as an international adviser and domestic critic.