Mykhailo Fedorov has formally rejected an offer to serve as deputy prime minister for military innovations, stating he will only return to the Ukrainian government if reinstated as defense minister.
The former minister, who was dismissed from his post last week, made his conditions clear amid growing public unrest over the leadership change.
Multiple wire services, including PBS NewsHour and TASS, have reported on the escalating tension.
The refusal intensifies a political crisis in Kyiv, where Fedorov’s removal has already triggered street protests.
By declining the deputy role, Fedorov signals that he views the defense portfolio as non-negotiable, leaving President Volodymyr Zelensky with limited options to reconcile with the popular former official.
The standoff highlights the fragility of the current administration’s support base as it navigates wartime governance.
Multiple wire services, including PBS NewsHour and TASS, have reported on the escalating tension.