Fedorov's U.S. trip to attract Pentagon and defense contractor interest, MP says
Fedorov plans to visit U.S. first after his dismissal (Photo: TT News Agency/Fredrik Sandberg/via REUTERS)
U.S. defense officials and top universities are closely tracking the wartime experience of former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov ahead of his U.S. visit, lawmaker Oleksiy Honcharenko said on Radio NV on Aug. 28.
Honcharenko noted that while American institutions value Fedorov's broader governmental background, they are primarily focused on learning how Ukraine navigated survival and technological adaptation during full-scale war.
"Fedorov is clearly a compelling figure given his ministerial tenure," Honcharenko said.
"Looking even at his recent background, and without looking too far back — though the Ministry of Digital Transformation is a notable track record in itself — the world today is most interested in Ukraine's direct experience of full-scale warfare."
The lawmaker expects Fedorov to hold high-level meetings across Washington.
"I am confident universities are vying for Fedorov's lectures, his expertise, and his insights, and are ready to invite him to speak. I am sure he is of great interest to the Pentagon, to American and global defense corporations, and to U.S. policymakers," Honcharenko remarked.
At the same time, Honcharenko suggested that Fedorov could use the U.S. visit to build political support for his vision following his transition away from the government.
Fedorov's dismissal, protests, and recent developments
On July 14, Verkhovna Rada dismissed the entire Cabinet of Ministers, including then-Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Beginning July 16, public demonstrations took place in Kyiv and other cities in support of Fedorov and demanding the dismissal of Oleksandr Syrskyi as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
That same day, Fedorov held a press conference outlining his policy disagreements with Syrskyi and detailing the military management challenges that sparked the dispute.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy replaced Syrskyi with Mykhailo Drapatyi as Commander-in-Chief and held several meetings with Fedorov, offering him various posts, including Minister for Military Innovation.
On July 31, Fedorov stated that he will not enter political opposition against President Zelenskyy during wartime, though he ruled out returning to government in any role other than Minister of Defense.
On Aug. 19, Yevhen Khmara was appointed Minister of Defense of Ukraine.
On Aug. 18, the former minister released a video address on his YouTube channel calling for national elections to be held in Ukraine.
On Aug. 20, Fedorov's team confirmed his upcoming trip to the United States, stating that the visit is officially planned around defense technology projects, with exact dates yet to be announced.
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