Zelenskyy appoints Beskrestnov as adviser on defence technology development

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed Serhii "Flash" Beskrestnov, a former adviser to the defence minister, as his non-staff adviser on the development of defence technologies.

Source: decree published on the President's Office website; Zelenskyy on X (Twitter); Beskrestnov on Facebook

Quote from the decree: "Serhii Beskrestnov shall be appointed as adviser to the president of Ukraine on the development of defence technologies (non-staff)."

Details: Earlier, Zelenskyy said he had met with Beskrestnov.

Quote from Zelenskyy: "We had a very detailed discussion about everything that is currently most critical in the technological aspects of our defence. It is technology that saves the lives of our warriors and brings this war back home – to Russia.

It is also important to always respond promptly to the military innovations the aggressor's army is introducing in its forces and capabilities, guided by one principle: we know the details and thus can counteract effectively. Serhii and I agreed to cooperate as closely as possible. Decisions will follow."

Update: Later, Beskrestnov said the president had offered him a position in the new Ministry of Defence team, but he had declined.

Quote from Beskrestnov: "I am part of Fedorov's team. I joined the Ministry of Defence at his invitation as his personal adviser, and for moral reasons I cannot remain at the ministry without Mykhailo.

Fedorov is someone I have immense respect for, and I will continue to support him in every possible way on matters related to defending our country and beyond.

But the war continues, and with the knowledge I have, I cannot stand aside, because only the enemy would benefit from that. The president is giving me the opportunity and authority to strengthen our defence capabilities at the highest level as the president's adviser on the development of defence technologies."

Details: He added that, for him, the appointment "has nothing to do with politics" but is "an opportunity to influence technological processes in the defence sector, and now not only within the Armed Forces of Ukraine".

Background:

• In January, Beskrestnov became an adviser to then defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov on defence technology.
• Fedorov summed up his tenure, outlined what he had not managed to accomplish and said he will continue his mission to "defeat the enemy through asymmetry, the speed of innovation and the power of organisation".
• Beskrestnov and Serhii Sternenko said they are no longer advisers to Fedorov and commented on his dismissal.

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