Zelensky proposes appointing First Deputy PM Fedorov as Ukraine’s new defence minister
In big government shake-up, Zelensky also said he is appointing spy chief Kyrylo Budanov as head of the presidential office
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday proposed appointing First Deputy Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov as the country’s new defence minister, praising his abilities in developing the drones and digitalisation needed for the country’s defence.
Fedorov also served as minister of digital transformation and his appointment must be approved by parliament. He is to replace Denys Shmyhal.
“Mykhailo is deeply engaged in the ‘drone line’ initiative and works very effectively on the digitalisation of state services and processes,” Zelensky said in his nightly video address.
“Together with all our military personnel, military command, national weapons manufacturers and Ukraine’s partners, we must implement changes in the defence sector that will truly help.”
Zelensky said the ministry had shown good results under Shmyhal, a former prime minister, and that he was being offered a new government post.
Also on Friday, Zelensky said Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukraine’s military intelligence service, is taking over as head of the presidential office, becoming Zelensky’s new right-hand man as pressure mounts to reach a diplomatic solution to the war.