In an interview with Ukrainska Pravda published today, former minister Mykhailo Fedorov stated he was "100% certain" he would be willing to continue leading Ukraine's Defense Ministry if President Volodymyr Zelensky invited him back to the position.

However, he also affirmed he was not seeking any government job to maintain power. "I am completely fine not working for the government anymore. That's okay, I don't need any position," Fedorov said.

Former minister Fedorov revealed one reason for his dismissal was "some opposition to changes in Ukraine's defense procurement system," adding that tensions became evident from April.

Mykhailo Fedorov during a press conference in Kyiv on 16/7. *AP*

"Ukraine's Defense Ministry and I, as head of the agency, faced pressure and attacks from many sides after restructuring a series of internal processes. Issues related to procurement, bidding, and process reform displeased many," he said.

Mykhailo Fedorov said he had warned President Zelensky that "people would come and speak ill of me, for example, saying I had issues, political ambitions, owned unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) manufacturing companies, or committed some violation."

"You need to verify this information with me, because I have touched upon the interests of many individuals or businesses; I need your support on this matter," former minister Fedorov recounted telling President Zelensky.

General Oleksandr Syrsky during a January 2024 interview. *Reuters*

Fedorov also denied reports of a personal animosity with former Ukraine army commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrsky, stating that the two "primarily disagreed on vision and combat methods" concerning decision-making speed, the role of young commanders, and efforts to implement military reforms.

Former minister Fedorov asserted that during his 6 months in office, he did not obstruct any decisions by General Syrsky or Ukraine's military general staff. "The Ukraine army is fighting day and night and needs to achieve maximum effectiveness, even if I disagreed with some decisions," he said.

President Zelensky announced Fedorov's dismissal on 15/7 as part of a broad government reshuffle. This decision caused widespread discontent and led to protests. General Syrsky, who was reportedly at odds with Fedorov, was dismissed on 21/7. The information in this article is compiled from AFP, AP, Reuters, and Ukrainska Pravda.