EU officials express surprise over Fedorov’s dismissal amid Ukraine’s government reshuffle

Ukraine’s recent cabinet changes, including the dismissal of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov after just six months in office, have drawn notable reactions from European partners. The move comes as part of a broader reshuffle following Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko’s resignation, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposing Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko as the new defence chief.

Zelenskyy launches major government overhaul amid intensifying war pressures

Fedorov, previously Minister of Digital Transformation and known for his tech-driven approach to military innovation, assumed the defence role in January 2026. He oversaw advancements in drone procurement, procurement reforms, long-range strikes, and Ukrainian ballistic missile testing before stepping down on 15 July.

Ukraine appoints tech-driven reformer as defence minister

EU reaction: “A big surprise”

European Union officials have voiced concern over the timing and implications of the change. In an interview with EUalive’s partner European Pravda, EU Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius described Fedorov’s departure as “a big surprise.”

“We worked very closely with Mykhailo Fedorov – both before and especially after he headed the Ministry of Defence. In this period, we managed to achieve a lot, including almost daily deep strikes on Moscow, St. Petersburg, Omsk, Crimea, etc.,” Kubilius stated. He highlighted the risk that replacing Fedorov could raise questions in the EU: “My personal opinion: this will raise the question of why such a person is being replaced.”

Kubilius emphasized the importance of continuity in ongoing defence projects funded by a €60 billion EU package. “We have an approved first list of armaments and a timeline for the use of European funding, particularly for drone production. The first funds have already arrived in Ukraine,” he noted, adding that an upcoming tranche this week could support missiles, fighters, and other critical equipment. He stressed preserving plans for the anti-ballistic “Freya” system and Ukrainian ballistic missile production.

Domestic protests and context

The dismissal has sparked public protests in Kyiv and other cities, with demonstrators holding signs calling for continued military innovation under Fedorov. Suspilne Media reported on these “cardboard protests” urging authorities not to remove the reform-minded minister during wartime.

Mass protests against President Zelenskyy’s decision to dismiss Ukraine’s Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov from his post!
Mr President, if your approval ratings matter to you, then you should listen to the people! Reinstate Fedorov! pic.twitter.com/2I8Dg5Y2yy
— Cloooud |🇺🇦 (@GloOouD) July 16, 2026

Analysts and lawmakers have expressed dismay, arguing that frequent leadership changes in the defence ministry risk creating instability at a critical juncture in the war with Russia. Fedorov himself summarized his tenure positively on social media, highlighting achievements like disrupting Russian Starlink usage and advancing drone programs.

The EU’s focus now turns to ensuring seamless cooperation with whoever assumes the defence portfolio, as substantial funding and joint projects – from anti-ballistic capabilities to space-based secure communications – hang in the balance. Kubilius reiterated that maintaining momentum in these initiatives remains essential for both Ukraine and Europe’s broader security.

As Ukraine’s parliament considers the new government lineup, the coming days will test whether the reshuffle strengthens or disrupts the country’s defence efforts and international partnerships.

Caption: Minister of Defense of Ukraine Mykhailo Fedorov looks on during his meeting with European Commission Vice-President and High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas (not pictured) in Brussels, Belgium, 18 June 2026. EPA/Olivier Matthys