KYIV, Ukraine – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly addressed the controversial dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Zelenskyy criticized Fedorov’s role in mass protests and his calls for an election, stating these actions were misguided. He also noted problematic decisions related to defense spending which impacted Ukraine’s military efforts.
Zelenskyy mentioned inaccurate information provided by the Defense Ministry that led to an awkward interaction with U.S. President Donald Trump concerning the use of Starlink in Russia. He revealed figures displaying Ukraine’s increasing shortage of Patriot missiles required to counter Russian ballistic attacks. Deliveries from Western allies have decreased over the last three years, even as Russian missile strikes have grown.
Despite these challenges, Zelenskyy highlighted gains on the battlefield, asserting that Ukrainian forces have nearly recaptured the Dnipropetrovsk region, with only about 10 square kilometers remaining under Russian control. He shared these insights during a two-hour off-the-record meeting with reporters, a transcript of which was made public.
Zelenskyy said, “I really had and still have a very positive attitude toward Mykhailo. We have been through a lot together. But I believe that he himself goes, or is pushed, into the wrong things.”
Fedorov’s dismissal, despite his popularity for modernizing Ukraine’s armed forces, was due to a fallout with the country’s top military commander. The dismissal sparked protests demanding his reinstatement, although these efforts did not succeed. Zelenskyy offered Fedorov four options to remain in the government, but Fedorov declined.
Zelenskyy believes holding elections during the ongoing conflict poses significant risks. He expressed doubts about conducting voting safely and democratically amid war.
Zelenskyy said, “I believe elections during a war like this would generally pose enormous risks. Holding elections right now would be a tsunami for the state that would split Ukraine apart.”
Inaccurate Information and Military Budget Pressure
The Ukrainian President linked Fedorov to an embarrassing situation involving Starlink and Elon Musk. The Defense Ministry inaccurately informed Zelenskyy that SpaceX agreed to allow Ukraine to use Starlink over Russian territory for strike operations, pending political approval. Zelenskyy raised the matter with President Trump, believing Musk had confirmed this usage. However, later discussions revealed Musk’s rejection of the idea, leading Trump to accuse Zelenskyy of misleading him.
Zelenskyy clarified that while he didn’t accuse Fedorov of lying, the incident was part of the reasons behind certain decisions. Additionally, he defended Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi and Maj. Gen. Yevhen Khmara against harsh criticism from protesters.
Defense Budget Strains and Battlefield Success
Zelenskyy outlined severe financial constraints affecting Ukraine’s defense efforts. The Defense Ministry faced a $27 billion budget shortfall, with spending decisions advancing funds meant for later in the year. A corruption investigation led to the dismissal of a senior official, although anti-corruption agencies confirmed Zelenskyy’s non-involvement.
Despite financial challenges, Zelenskyy remained optimistic about the military’s progress. Ukraine regained control over the Dnipropetrovsk region and initiated another operation with expected results soon.
He projected that Ukraine could equal territory occupied and retaken by year-end. Russia occupied around 990 square kilometers since January, while Ukraine restored control over 820 square kilometers.
Patriot Missiles Shortage
Zelenskyy lamented the reduced availability of Patriot missiles amid escalating Russian attacks. Ukraine received fewer Patriot interceptor missiles, and additional requests for missiles have gone unfulfilled. He emphasized the need for more support from allies to counter Russian aggression.
Further complicating the situation, Russia could potentially produce 1,300 ballistic missiles annually, compared to its current capacity of 600. Ukraine is also exploring alternatives to Starlink, including European communications projects.
Other Developments
- Debris from a Ukrainian drone struck two industrial sites in Russia’s Orenburg region, including a warehouse for the retailer Ozon.
- Drone attacks in Russia’s Belgorod border region killed one person and injured six others. A separate drone attack in the Tula region resulted in another civilian death.
- Two women died, and five people were injured when a Russian drone hit an electric train in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region.
Nordic and Baltic leaders showed solidarity by visiting Kyiv ahead of Ukraine’s Independence Day. Leaders attended a flag-raising ceremony alongside Ukrainian officials.