Indignation among the military after Fedorov's dismissal from the post of Minister of Defense is growing - BBC
Kyiv • UNN
Zelenskyy's decision not to reappoint Fedorov has outraged some military personnel and veterans. They fear the curtailment of technological reforms in the army.
The decision of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy not to reappoint Mykhailo Fedorov as Minister of Defense has sparked outrage among some Ukrainian military personnel and veterans. This is reported by the BBC, citing interviewed servicemen, experts, and public figures, writes UNN.
Details
According to the publication's interlocutors, Fedorov is considered one of the main drivers of technological reforms in the army, the development of drones, and the digitalization of the defense sector. Some military personnel called his dismissal a "slap in the face" for servicemen and expressed concerns that the changes he initiated could be rolled back.
Dispute with Syrskyi and concerns over reforms
The BBC notes that, according to President Zelenskyy, a deep conflict arose between Fedorov and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, due to which they "could not be in the same room." Fedorov himself previously stated that his reforms were being blocked.
The military personnel interviewed by the publication assess Syrskyi's role differently. Some criticize him for his conservative management style, while others emphasize that they currently see no equivalent replacement for him.
Experts and representatives of the public sector, including the Executive Director of the Anti-Corruption Action Center, Daria Kaleniuk, expressed concern that Fedorov's resignation could slow down the digitalization of the Ministry of Defense and the implementation of new technologies, despite the authorities' assurances about the continuation of reforms.
According to the BBC, Fedorov's dismissal also became a reason for protests, whose participants call for a review of the president's personnel decision.