Defense Minister Fedorov: Syrskyi not prepared to speak openly about problems in military

According to an Ukrinform correspondent, Fedorov made the remarks during a briefing.

Fedorov said that the ministry had encountered resistance to all of its proposed initiatives and that Syrskyi, despite being aware of the challenges facing the military, had not been willing to address them directly.

At the same time, Fedorov stressed that after President Volodymyr Zelensky announced he would not replace Syrskyi, he did not issue any ultimatum demanding that either he or the commander-in-chief leave office.

Fedorov said that he accepted the President's decision and would continue working with Syrskyi to defeat Russia. He emphasized that Syrskyi had played a crucial role in defending Ukraine in 2022 by leading the operations to defend Kyiv and liberate the Kharkiv region, as well as participating in the Kherson campaign and numerous other operations.

However, Fedorov argued that warfare has changed fundamentally, with drones transforming the architecture of modern combat and requiring new approaches. He said the military command system must evolve to meet these new realities.

As Ukrinform previously reported, demonstrations have been taking place in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities against Fedorov's dismissal.

On July 14, the Verkhovna Rada approved the resignation of Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, which automatically resulted in the resignation of the entire Cabinet of Ministers.

Following his departure, Fedorov thanked the Ukrainian people for the opportunity to serve and highlighted the key technological and institutional reforms implemented in the Armed Forces during his tenure.

According to media reports, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko is expected to succeed him as defense minister.