Ex-defence minister Fedorov says he would "100%" return to Defence Ministry if asked
Former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov has said he is willing to return to the Ministry of Defence.
Source: Fedorov in an interview with Ukrainska Pravda (English translation coming soon)
Details: Fedorov answered "100%" when asked whether he would be prepared to return to the Ministry of Defence if President Volodymyr Zelenskyy offered him the position of defence minister.
Quote: "One hundred per cent. What would I say, not even to myself or the president, but to the active part of the public, which has made its position clear? There's no walking away from this situation. Again, I really want people to understand that my goal is not to secure a job for myself. I was completely fine about... not being in the government. That's okay. I don't need just any position."
Details: Fedorov added that he knows what he can do if he does not return to government.
Quote: "I certainly don't need anyone to find me a job. But if I were to return to the government, given the mission I see for myself, it would have to be a position with real responsibilities. That is the Ministry of Defence. I understand all the challenges that lie ahead. I am absolutely ready for that. If not, there are other ways to achieve this vision."
Background:
- Since 16 July, protests have been taking place in Kyiv and other cities to demand Mykhailo Fedorov's reinstatement as defence minister.
- Zelenskyy acknowledged that Fedorov and former commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi had been unable to work together and that problems on the battlefield, within brigades and with mobilisation remained unresolved.
- After six days of protests, Zelenskyy announced Syrskyi's dismissal as commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and said he intended to appoint Mykhailo Drapatyi as his successor.
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