Technology at the centre: Zelenskyy and future defence minister discuss planned defence ministry reform

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Mykhailo Fedorov, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation, have discussed the changes Fedorov plans to implement in the role of defence minister.

Source: Zelenskyy on X (Twitter)

Quote: "We discussed the formats of changes that Mykhailo Fedorov is preparing to implement in his role as Minister of Defence of Ukraine. In a week, Mykhailo will present the necessary draft decisions. I expect the Parliament to support this strengthening."

Details: Zelenskyy emphasised that Ukraine's defence must be technology-driven to protect soldiers' lives.

Quote: "Russia has one significant advantage in this war – the ability to apply pressure through the scale of its strikes and assaults against Ukraine. We must respond with more active use of technology, faster development of new types of weapons and new tactics…

Of course, Ukraine is fully committed to diplomacy and seeks to end this war as soon as possible. But Russia is not demonstrating a similar approach and prolongs its aggression. We will counter this through greater technological capacity and the transformation of the defence sector."

Details: Zelenskyy said that during the meeting, Fedorov briefed him on the implementation of various modernisation measures in Ukraine's defence sector and confirmed that technological solutions are already in use.

As proof, Zelenskyy cited statistics:

"In particular, in December 2025, 35,000 eliminated occupiers have already been verified and confirmed with video footage; in November there were 30,000 confirmed hits; in October, 26,000 hits. It is clear that technology is working effectively. Drone deliveries to the troops are steadily increasing. We are preparing new, special formats to strengthen the drone component of our defence."

Zelenskyy also praised Fedorov's work in his current position.

Quote: "Since the beginning of this war, the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine has been – and remains – an active source of innovation for Ukraine's defence sector. This includes the development of the weapons manufacturers' market, the use of drones and modern communications."

Background: In his evening video address on 2 January, Zelenskyy proposed that Mykhailo Fedorov, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, be appointed as the new defence minister.

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