ZN: Zelenskyy may bring former defense minister back as “miltech czar” amid nationwide protests

Ukraine's president may bring back the defense minister he just fired, in a new job. The Presidential Office is considering offering former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov a new role as a "miltech czar" amid mass protests across Ukraine against the decision, ZN.UA reported, citing its own sources in Washington.

Fedorov may be proposed to become a coordinator of military technology development, while Zelenskyy is separately weighing whether to replace Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. Partners expect Fedorov to accept the new post.

The two moves, taken together, would reverse the terms of Fedorov's dismissal. Fedorov was fired on 15 July after a feud with Syrskyi. 

Position is power without ministry

Fedorov may become a senior official given broad authority to coordinate a particular area of work across different government structures.

In Fedorov's case, that likely means coordinating the development of military technology, weapons production, and unmanned systems, as well as the interaction among the state, the military, and the defense industry.

That is, in substance, much of what Fedorov already did as defense minister and as the architect of Ukraine's "Army of Drones" program, but stripped of the ministry and its chain of command.

Zelenskyy reportedly reconsiders Syrskyi question

The possible replacement of Syrskyi is the larger story, and it is now in the open. The Financial Times reported that Zelenskyy is weighing the move following days of turmoil in the military leadership, and that any change would happen only if the president finds a commander who can ensure a smooth handover while holding the 1,200-kilometer front.

Fedorov himself said about the top commander: "Syrskyi saved our country in 2022, carried out several successful operations, and we cannot underestimate him. But the war has changed," he said.

Zelenskyy and Fedorov both signal more change is coming

As protests entered a third consecutive day, both men addressed the crowds on the evening of 18 July, and both pointed to decisions still being worked out.

"Yesterday and today, there were many consultations. Of course, I hear what people are saying. I spoke at length today with Mykhailo Fedorov. I also spoke today with Oleksandr Syrskyi. Decisions on the army will be worked out," Zelenskyy said.

Fedorov echoed the promise of change.

"Changes will definitely happen. For my part, thank you for the hope. I did not feel such responsibility even in government posts. Thank you to the veterans and the military for holding the front and holding honor," he said.