Former Ukrainian defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov has declined multiple government roles proposed by President Volodymyr Zelensky, stating on 23 July 2026 that he will accept no position other than his former defence portfolio.
Zelensky, announcing the move in an evening address, said he had offered Fedorov a leadership role to strengthen the country's technological capabilities. Fedorov, however, rejected the overtures, arguing that with the appointment of Mykhailo Drapatyi as the new armed forces commander, the outgoing defence ministry team could immediately begin transforming the military.
Fedorov was dismissed last week after just six months in office. His removal followed protests that also led Zelensky to replace armed forces chief Oleksandr Syrskyi with Drapatyi. A recent poll shows public trust in Fedorov rising sharply from 35 to 65 percent over the past week.