Ukrainian DM Mykhailo Fedorov faces bitter resistance from generals — The Economist
Zelenskyy and Fedorov at the meeting on July 12 (Photo: t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official)
Ukrainian DM Mykhailo Fedorov is facing fierce resistance from Ukraine's military leadership over his sweeping reforms, despite his undeniable successes in drone field and digitalizing the armed forces, The Economist wrote on July 16.
The structural disputes between the reformist minister and old-school generals have dramatically escalated, leaving Fedorov’s political future heavily dependent on the personal backing of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
According to the publication, Fedorov spent his first six months in office in a whirlwind of reform. He initiated an audit of the Ministry of Defense and military brigades that uncovered over UAH 300 billion (approximately $7.5 billion) in wasteful spending, introduced polygraph tests for employees, and transitioned major procurement to open tenders. According to Fedorov, these measures successfully slashed the cost of 155mm artillery shells by 16%. However, these changes have sharpened his rivalry with the military brass, primarily Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi.
While Fedorov assumed the role of Defense Minister in January, his first major reform package only began rolling out in June. This package includes boosting hazard pay for front-line infantrymen, introducing fixed-term enlistment contracts, allowing partial demobilization for the longest-serving soldiers by the end of 2026, and expanding foreign recruitment. One of the most controversial elements of his recruitment reform has been paying private agency bounties of $7,000 for each recruit successfully brought into the armed forces.
A War of Pixels vs. Trench Reality?
Critics within the army acknowledge Fedorov’s impressive achievements in drone deployment and digitalization, but argue that his total lack of traditional military experience leaves him unqualified to plan and oversee actual warfare.
The Economist pointed out that some of his opponents dismiss his reforms as mere "PR repackaging" of pre-existing processes. They also criticize his hyper-focus on cutting-edge technology and what they describe as the "gamification" of war, arguing that his approach neglects less glamorous but critical systemic military issues.
Fedorov's team admits that resistance to such dramatic changes is only natural. His supporters view the minister as a visionary technological reformer and remain confident that the military will eventually embrace and appreciate the changes. Fedorov himself acknowledges the widespread skepticism among the officer corps but believes his achievements will ultimately win them over.
However, even the minister's allies doubt whether he will enjoy enough long-term political support to realize his full vision, The Economist reported. Opponents argued that his hand is weak in a direct standoff with the generals. Adding to the friction are unverified allegations of potential corruption in drone procurement — accusations that Fedorov has categorically denied.
Ultimately, Fedorov's political survival remains bound to Zelenskyy, his primary patron, with whom the minister shares a distinct appetite for bold decisions, public transparency, and stubborn persistence.
On July 12, Fedorov's name emerged as one of three candidates to fill the vacant Prime Minister slot. As The Economist noted, under normal circumstances, this would be seen as a promotion. However, in the current climate, many would view such an appointment as a tactical sidelining designed to strip him of his reformist leverage at the Ministry of Defense. For now, the minister appears to have kept his current post.
"When I started in this job, the president told me to act in good conscience. A lot of people are arguing with me, and yes, it bothers me, but what can I do? I don't want to leave this post knowing that I compromised even once just to please someone," Fedorov said just days before the rumors of potential cabinet shake-ups broke.
"Normal, Constructive Relations"
On June 16, Fedorov stated that his relationship with Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi was "normal and constructive," though he admitted they occasionally had intense debates and disagreements over professional matters.
"We have a completely normal, constructive relationship," Fedorov said.
"He is the Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian army, which is fighting for Ukraine's independence. We couldn't have any other kind of relationship. We are on the same team — Team Ukraine, the President's team. We certainly have different views on certain issues. We can argue fiercely about this or that decision. This is just basic-level professional discussion."
On June 30, Syrskyi echoed this sentiment, asserting that he has "no conflict whatsoever" with Fedorov.
"I can only repeat the words of the Defense Minister. We have no conflict," he said.
"We each carry out our respective duties. Everyone has their own tasks. The Ministry of Defense has its own, and the General Staff of the Armed Forces has its own. So yes, issues and perhaps contradictions do arise periodically, but they are discussed and resolved because they mostly concern jurisdiction—where they overlap and how we must handle them."
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