Former Ukrainian Defense Minister – and Zelensky’s Nemesis – Mikhaylo Fedorov Gets a New Job… With the Italian Government

Fedorov will take his modernization ideas to the Italian Ministry of Defense.

Some 40 days ago, the young and popular Ukrainian Defense Minister Mikhaylo Fedorov was dismissed by Kiev regime leader Volodymyr Zelensky after disagreements with army leadership.

His departure ignited a rare season of protests in Ukraine, with mostly young protesters demanding the firing of Commander-in-Chief General Oleksandr Syrsky, and the reappointment of Fedorov.

These protests, in conjunction with the corruption investigations by NABU and SAPO, were enough of a problem that Zelensky decided to fire Syrsky.

But while he offered Fedorov several other positions in his government, Zelensky did not offer his old Minister of Defense role, so Fedorov rejected them all, saying the positions had no budget, so he could not make an impact.

That’s when Fedorov turned into an opposition figure in Ukraine.

First, he challenged Zelensky by calling for wartime elections, reminding the world that his mandate ended mid-2024, and he rules by force of Martial law.

Then, he suggested that the Ukrainian leader should be questioned and offer explanations about what he knew of the corruption in his government.

By now, Fedorov was on a dangerous trajectory of confrontation with Zelensky.

But today, it arises that Fedorov has a new job… working for Italy.

⚡️Ukrainian ex-Defense Minister Fedorov becomes adviser to Italian official.

Fedorov said that, in this role, he “would help Italy develop modern warfare technologies, strengthen its defense sector, and adapt to emerging global security challenges.” https://t.co/0pRTu1jIEZ

— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) August 28, 2026

Politico reported:

“’I thanked Guido for his personal support and offer to become his adviser on defense innovations’, Fedorov wrote in a Facebook post after meeting Crosetto. ‘In this role, I will help Italy develop modern warfare technologies, improve the defense sector and adapt to new security challenges in the world’.

A member of Fedorov’s team told POLITICO that the former minister will combine the advisory role with his main focus on setting up a defense investment fund in Ukraine.”

Kicked off an international working trip with our team, focused on advancing our new initiatives in digitalization and defense tech.

First stop — a meeting with Italian Minister of Defense @GuidoCrosetto.

I expressed my gratitude to Guido for his personal support and for the… pic.twitter.com/EeFqvd1srO

— Mykhailo Fedorov (@FedorovMykhailo) August 28, 2026

“Kicked off an international working trip with our team, focused on advancing our new initiatives in digitalization and defense tech.

First stop — a meeting with Italian Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto.

I expressed my gratitude to Guido for his personal support and for the offer to serve as his Advisor on Defense Innovations. I am deeply thankful for this trust and strategic partnership. In this role, I will assist Italy in adopting modern warfare technologies, enhancing its defense sector, and adapting to emerging global security challenges.

Ukraine and our team possess unique, real-world experience in high-tech warfare that we are eager to share with our allies. At the same time, my primary focus remains unchanged: I continue my work in Ukraine on core projects that strengthen our defense and help attract international resources.

During our meeting, we discussed drones, autonomous systems, air defense, and building out the defense tech ecosystem.

The future of defense belongs to nations that can rapidly test and scale new solutions by pairing cutting-edge technology with robust manufacturing. Ukraine’s experience can serve as the foundation for Europe’s new defense model.

Our international trip continues. Ahead are key meetings with partners regarding digitalization, defense tech, and launching new collaborative projects.”

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