The former Minister of Defense of Ukraine, Mijailo Fedorov, who was removed from his position by decision of President Volodymyr Zelensky, announced this Friday that he will take on a new role as advisor to his former Italian counterpart, Guido Crosetto. His work will focus on supporting the minister in initiatives aimed at strengthening the field of military technology.
"I am pleased that Mijailo Fedorov has agreed to offer me his consultancy as an advisor for innovation in Defense. Nowadays, mere knowledge of new technologies is no longer enough: the ability to adapt organizational processes is essential, quickly transforming experimentation into operational solutions that can be used on a large scale," Crosetto indicated in a statement after meeting with the Ukrainian.
The Italian Minister of Defense emphasized that Fedorov has "significant experience in the field of digital innovation applied to public administration and defense." "It has been an opportunity to delve into issues of drones, unmanned systems, and air defense, as well as to discuss the evolution of the technological ecosystem," he added.
Fedorov, in a message disseminated on social media, stressed that "his main focus has not changed," as he will continue to be involved in tasks for Kiev "in projects that strengthen its defense and help attract international resources." "Ukraine and our team have a unique experience of technological warfare, which we are willing to share with our partners," he said.
"Thank you for your trust and strategic partnership. In this position, I will help Italy develop modern warfare technologies, improve the defense field, and adapt to the new security challenges of the world," the former minister explained.
Fedorov, who after his dismissal challenged Zelensky by calling for elections despite martial law prohibiting it, held the position of Minister of Defense from January to July 2026. Before that period, he had served for three years as Minister of Digital Transformation.
His replacement, in mid-July of last year, sparked protests in Ukraine, as it occurred when he had only been in charge of the Ministry for six months and amid a personal confrontation with the then Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Oleksandr Sirski.