Zelensky offers former Ukrainian Defense Minister Fedorov deputy prime minister post. He says he’ll accept no position other than defense minister.

Meduza reports that President Zelensky offered Mykhailo Fedorov, his recently dismissed defense minister, a role as deputy prime minister for military innovation. Fedorov declined, saying he'll only accept the defense minister position. In his statement, Fedorov argued that other posts lack the authority to fight corruption in military procurement, complete armed forces transformation, and execute asymmetric operations. Fedorov served as defense minister from January until his dismissal last week, when conflict with military commander Oleksandr Syrskyi triggered his removal. The dismissal sparked public protests, and Zelensky subsequently dismissed Syrskyi as well.

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