Zelenskyy dismisses popular Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov in cabinet reshuffle

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov as part of a sweeping government reshuffle. Fedorov confirmed his removal in a statement Wednesday evening, saying it had been a great honour to serve the Ukrainian people as defence minister.

While not a highly public figure, Fedorov had been widely praised within military circles and civil society. His dismissal comes as part of broader changes atop the government more than four years into the war with Russia.

Zelenskyy's office did not detail the exact reasoning behind the reshuffle, though officials said it was intended to strengthen wartime management and coordination with allies. A successor to lead the defence ministry has not yet been named.