Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov Becomes Advisor to Italian Defense Ministry
8 sources across 6 countries
Who reported this
- ANSA
- Corriere della Sera
- Meduza
- Novaya Gazeta Europe
- Politico Europe
- Der Spiegel
- Kyiv Independent
- Reuters
What the colours mean
- Left
- Centre-left
- Centre
- Centre-right
- Right
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Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has accepted a role as an advisor on defense innovation to Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto. Fedorov announced the appointment following a meeting in Rome where the two discussed drones, air defense, and autonomous systems. Fedorov stated that he will help Italy adopt modern warfare technologies and adapt to global security challenges, while Crosetto emphasized the urgency of technological innovation in the face of changing conflict scenarios. Fedorov's staff noted that the consultancy is a pro bono arrangement and that he will remain based in Kyiv. Fedorov intends to combine this role with his primary focus on strengthening Ukraine's defense and establishing a defense investment fund. He is also planning a visit to the United States to meet with partners and secure resources for defense tech projects.
Fedorov served as Ukraine's defense minister from January to July 2026 before being dismissed by President Volodymyr Zelensky. Reports indicate the dismissal followed a conflict with Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander in Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. The firing triggered significant protests across Ukraine, with some demonstrators calling for Fedorov's reinstatement. Following his departure, Fedorov has called for wartime elections and criticized the Ukrainian presidency, suggesting that Kyiv is losing the war against Russia. Some reports indicate that Fedorov is viewed as a potential political rival to President Zelensky, with one unpublished poll placing him third in a hypothetical presidential race.
How each side framed it
- Centre-left
- These outlets highlighted Fedorov's potential as a political rival to President Zelensky and the context of his dismissal.
- Centre
- These outlets focused primarily on the professional details of the advisory role and Fedorov's ongoing defense projects.
- Centre-right
- These outlets emphasized Fedorov's public criticisms of the Zelensky administration and his calls for new elections.
Sources
- Centre ANSA: Former Ukrainian minister Fedorov consultant for Defense, 'focus on drones'
- Centre-right Corriere della Sera: Fedorov, former minister of Zelensky, becomes a consultant for the Italian Ministry of Defense: "Grateful to Crosetto, I will help Italy adopt modern warfare technologies"
- Centre-left Der Spiegel: Mychajlo Fedorow: Ukrainian ex-minister becomes advisor in the Italian Ministry of Defense
- Centre Kyiv Independent: Ukrainian ex-Minister Fedorov becomes adviser to Italian official, plans to visit US
- Centre-left Meduza: Mykhailo Fedorov, fired as Ukraine’s defense minister, agrees to become an advisor to Italy’s Guido Crosetto, but says his focus stays on Ukraine
- Centre-left Novaya Gazeta Europe: Former Defense Minister of Ukraine Mykhailo Fedorov became an adviser to the head of the Italian Ministry of Defense
- Centre Politico Europe: Ousted Ukrainian defense chief Fedorov takes advisory role with Italy
- Centre Reuters: Ukraine's Fedorov takes adviser role at Italian Defence Ministry - Reuters
93% of the statements in this article were traced back to the source articles listed above.