Fedorov still hopes to return as defence minister
Mykhailo Fedorov, who was dismissed as defence minister in mid-July, still hopes to return to the post.
Source: Fedorov on the YouTube channel of Serhii Sternenko, 6 August
Quote: "I currently have no moral right to engage in anything else, because while people are fighting for tomorrow and my name is being mentioned, people believe this can be done, and today there is no clear 'no', I believe we always have a chance."
Details: Fedorov also stressed that Ukraine currently has no defence minister, only an acting minister who cannot vote on government decisions.
"This may be a temporary situation, but it cannot go on for long … so it is very important that this process has a certain deadline," he said.
Background:
- At the end of July, Fedorov stated in an interview with Ukrainska Pravda that he was ready to return to the Ministry of Defence.
- On 14 July, the Verkhovna Rada (Parliament) approved Yuliia Svyrydenko's resignation as prime minister, a decision which entailed the resignation of the entire government. A new cabinet was subsequently approved without defence or foreign ministers.
- On 17 July, the Cabinet of Ministers appointed Yevhenii Khmara acting minister of defence on a temporary basis.
- Since 16 July, protests have been taking place in Kyiv and other cities to demand Mykhailo Fedorov's reinstatement as defence minister and the dismissal of then commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi.
- On 21 July, the president announced that Mykhailo Drapatyi would be the new commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
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