President Volodymyr Zelensky proposed First Deputy Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, an ally who promotes technology, to be the Minister of Defense of Ukraine.
I decided to change the working style of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense. I have proposed that Mr. Mykhailo Fedorov become the new Minister of Defense" - Mr. Zelensky said in a speech on the evening of January 2.
First Deputy Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov also plays an important role in the cabinet as Minister of Digital Transformation.
President Zelensky noted that Mr. Fedorov has deeply involved in the development of military technology, including issues related to unmanned aerial vehicles, and has worked very effectively in digitizing government services and procedures.
Along with all Ukrainian soldiers, military commands, national arms manufacturers and partners, we must make changes in the defense sector to be effective" - Mr. Zelensky emphasized.
President Zelensky's selection of Mr. Fedorov, 34, as head of the Ministry of Defense took place in the context of a government reform being carried out after Mr. Andriy Yermak - Chief of Staff, and also the president's right-hand man for more than 5 years - resigned. Mr. Zelensky said there would be more personnel changes on January 4.
Mr. Denys Shmyhal - Mr. Mykhailo Fedorov's predecessor - will continue to stay in the government. President Zelensky did not specify Mr. Shmyhal's next job when praising his contributions to Ukrainian defense.
Earlier on the same day, President Zelensky appointed Mr. Kyrylo Budanov, head of national defense intelligence, as head of the Ukrainian presidential office. Mr. Oleh Ivashchenko replaced Mr. Budanov as head of national defense intelligence.
