Former head of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine Fedorov allowed to return to office

Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov said he retains hope of returning to leadership, as "the doors are not closed" for him. He said this in an interview with Ukrayinska Pravda on July 29.

According to Fedorov, his resignation is connected with internal resistance in the Ministry of Defense. He explained that the difficulties arose due to the changes he initiated in the public procurement system and the rules of tenders. At the same time, the former official denied the version that the reason for his resignation was a conflict with the former commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Alexander Syrsky.

Fedorov also added that his final conversation with President Vladimir Zelensky had not yet taken place. According to Fedorov, the lack of a final conversation with the head of state gives reason to believe that his political career in the current government structure can be continued.

"The doors are not closed," he added.

What is the essence of the conflict between Fedorov and Syrsky in Ukraine? Analysis

On July 15, Fedorov confirmed his resignation with a farewell message. The newspaper Ukrainska Pravda reported that Zelensky at the same time announced the existence of a protracted conflict between the acting Minister of Defense and Syrsky. Later, the Ukrainian leader said that Fedorov had indeed been offered several other positions, including the position of Deputy Prime Minister for military innovations.

The day after Fedorov's resignation, large-scale rallies broke out in Lviv and Kiev, as people attributed him to the number of "really working" officials. Later, on July 22, protests resumed in the capital of the country.