Mykhailo Fedorov has formally declined 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 made his position clear in a written response to President Volodymyr Zelensky, emphasizing that his sole interest lies in resuming his previous duties to drive defense reforms and secure victory in the war.
Fedorov’s rejection of the deputy role underscores the high stakes surrounding Ukraine’s defense leadership.
By refusing a senior cabinet position that does not include direct command of the armed forces, he signals that his priority remains operational control rather than a broader, potentially diluted portfolio.
This stance adds a layer of complexity to Kyiv’s efforts to restructure its wartime administration.
The development follows a series of rejections by Fedorov of other potential roles within the Zelensky administration.