UKRAINE POLITICS: Ukraine's former Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has taken up a new international defence role just weeks after his dismissal from the Ukrainian government triggered rare wartime protests.

Fedorov has accepted a position as defence innovation adviser to Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto. In his new role, the 35-year-old is expected to advise Italy on modern warfare technologies, with a focus on autonomous systems, air defence and defence-sector innovation.

Italy's Defence Ministry described the appointment as an important opportunity, highlighting Fedorov's experience in defence technology and innovation. Fedorov will remain based in Kyiv while working in his new international role.

His appointment comes amid significant political developments in Ukraine. Fedorov was dismissed as defence minister in July following reported tensions with Ukraine's military leadership. His removal triggered protests, with supporters calling for his reinstatement.

During the war, Fedorov became a prominent advocate of drone warfare and military technology, pushing efforts to modernize Ukraine's armed forces and expand the country's autonomous systems and drone capabilities.

Ex-Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov Takes Italy Defence Adviser Role After Dramatic Dismissal

Ukraine's former defense minister Fedorov has taken on a new international defense role just weeks after his dramatic dismissal from Kyiv's government triggered protests across the country.

Fedorov has accepted a position as defense innovation adviser to Italy's Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, where he will advise on technologies shaping modern warfare. His work will reportedly focus on autonomous systems, air defense and defense-sector innovation.

Italy's Defense Ministry described the appointment as an important opportunity, with Fedorov's experience in military technology and innovation expected to contribute to Italy's response to emerging security challenges.

Fedorov will remain based in Kyiv while carrying out his new responsibilities.

The appointment comes after a major political fallout in Ukraine. Fedorov was dismissed as defense minister in July amid reported tensions with Ukraine's military leadership. His removal sparked protests, with supporters demanding that he be reinstated.

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Ukraine appears to be slowly losing ground in its war with Russia and has only a few months to make decisions that could change the course of the conflict, ousted Ukrainian defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov said. Fedorov, who was removed from his post last month, said Kyiv lacked a clear strategy for winning the four-year-old war. He also blamed corruption, political interference and a failure to adopt new technologies quickly enough.“I think that there’s now a turning point which will determine our future trajectory, but it looks as though we’re gradually, slowly losing,” Fedorov told Reuters.His assessment sharply contrasts with Kyiv’s official messaging. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s office hit back, saying Fedorov had expressed a positive view of the war while serving as minister and that only his personal status had changed.<h2>Ukraine faces weapons crunch</h2>Russia continues to pound Ukrainian factories and warehouses with ballistic missiles, while Kyiv’s stocks of air-defence interceptors are running low. Russian forces are also making slow advances in the Donbas, although at a slower pace than last year. Ukraine has responded with an expanding campaign of drone and missile strikes deep inside Russia, hitting military facilities and oil refineries.Fedorov argued that Kyiv must accelerate work on autonomous drones using artificial intelligence, inexpensive interceptor missiles and its own ballistic missile programme.“Technologies exist already which could completely stop the Russians, but our absence of vision ... means we do not apply them,” he said, accusing the Ukrainian state of operating at “5 per cent effectiveness.”<h2>Budget row and election call</h2>Fedorov also defended his decision to bring forward defence spending, after President Volodymyr Zelensky said it had created a $27 billion budget gap.The former minister disputed the figure and said his spending plan relied on procurement savings and international support.His call for wartime elections has further deepened his clash with Zelensky. Ukraine remains under martial law, which prevents elections.Fedorov, meanwhile, plans to pursue military technology projects and an investment fund while continuing his campaign for elections. &nbsp;

Ukraine is “gradually, slowly losing” its war with Russia, ousted defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov warned, urging Kyiv to act within months and adopt a stronger strategy and new technologies.

Ukraine appears to be slowly losing ground in its war with Russia and has only a few months to make decisions that could change the course of the conflict, ousted Ukrainian defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov said. Fedorov, who was removed from his post last month, said Kyiv lacked a clear strategy for winning the four-year-old war. He also blamed corruption, political interference and a failure to adopt new technologies quickly enough. “I think that there’s now a turning point which will determine our future trajectory, but it looks as though we’re gradually, slowly losing,” Fedorov told Reuters. His assessment sharply contrasts with Kyiv’s official messaging. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s office hit back, saying Fedorov had expressed a positive view of the war while serving as minister and that only his personal status had changed. Ukraine faces weapons crunch Russia continues to pound Ukrainian factories and warehouses with ballistic missiles, while Kyiv’s stocks of air-defence interceptors are running low. Russian forces are also making slow advances in the Donbas, although at a slower pace than last year. Ukraine has responded with an expanding campaign of drone and missile strikes deep inside Russia, hitting military facilities and oil refineries. Fedorov argued that Kyiv must accelerate work on autonomous drones using artificial intelligence, inexpensive interceptor missiles and its own ballistic missile programme. “Technologies exist already which could completely stop the Russians, but our absence of vision ... means we do not apply them,” he said, accusing the Ukrainian state of operating at “5 per cent effectiveness.” Budget row and election call Fedorov also defended his decision to bring forward defence spending, after President Volodymyr Zelensky said it had created a $27 billion budget gap. The former minister disputed the figure and said his spending plan relied on procurement savings and international support. His call for wartime elections has further deepened his clash with Zelensky. Ukraine remains under martial law, which prevents elections. Fedorov, meanwhile, plans to pursue military technology projects and an investment fund while continuing his campaign for elections.

Ukraine is “gradually, slowly losing” its war with Russia, ousted defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov warned, urging Kyiv to act within months and adopt a stronger strategy and new technologies.

Ukraine ‘slowly losing’ war with Russia? Ousted defence minister warns Kyiv

Ukraine is witnessing growing political unrest as President Volodymyr Zelensky faces widespread criticism following the dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Protests have erupted across Kyiv, while the former minister has reportedly criticized the country's military leadership and war strategy. The political crisis unfolds as Russia intensifies missile attacks and Ukraine continues long-range drone operations.


Zelensky faces massive protests after defense minister's shock dismissal | Ukraine political crisis 

Ukraine’s newly appointed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has acknowledged severe personnel challenges within the country’s armed forces, revealing that roughly 200,000 soldiers have left their units without authorisation. He also said that around two million Ukrainians are currently listed as evading compulsory military service. Fedorov made the statement during his address to parliament ahead of the vote confirming his appointment, marking the first official disclosure of the scale of desertion and draft avoidance since the war started.&nbsp;Ukraine’s military has been stretched thin for years while resisting a far larger and better-equipped adversary. Soldiers on the front lines face extreme conditions, often defending strategic positions despite shortages in manpower and firepower. While reports of declining morale and desertions have circulated widely, Fedorov’s comments represent an unprecedented level of transparency from Kyiv.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-signs-deal-with-trump-linked-crypto-company-for-cross-border-payments-1768416325733">Pakistan signs deal with Trump-linked crypto company for cross-border payments</a>&nbsp;Under Ukrainian law, men aged 18 to 60 are required to be registered with the military and carry documentation at all times, although only those between 25 and 60 can currently be mobilized. Martial law prohibits men aged 23 to 60 who are eligible for service from leaving the country, yet tens of thousands are believed to have crossed borders illegally.Following talks with Fedorov, President Volodymyr Zelensky signaled that Ukraine’s mobilization system requires significant reform to address these challenges.&nbsp;At 34, Fedorov is the youngest defense minister in Ukraine’s history and will turn 35 next week. He succeeds Denys Shmyhal, who has taken on the roles of First Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister. Previously, Fedorov served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation, where he played a key role in advancing Ukraine’s drone warfare capabilities.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cabinet-postpones-grade-6-reforms-to-2027-amid-row-over-adult-website-link-in-school-textbook-1768415726275/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/cabinet-postpones-grade-6-reforms-to-2027-amid-row-over-adult-website-link-in-school-textbook-1768415726275/embed</a>&nbsp;Emphasising technology as a solution to manpower shortages, Fedorov argued that expanding the use of robotics and advanced systems could help reduce casualties. He noted that Ukraine now has about 500 drone manufacturers, 200 companies producing electronic warfare and jamming equipment, and more than 20 private missile producers.President Zelensky said bolstering the military’s technological edge will be a central focus of Fedorov’s tenure.

Ukraine’s defense minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, has said that nearly 200,000 soldiers are AWOL, and two million are evading service

Ukraine’s newly appointed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has acknowledged severe personnel challenges within the country’s armed forces, revealing that roughly 200,000 soldiers have left their units without authorisation. He also said that around two million Ukrainians are currently listed as evading compulsory military service. Fedorov made the statement during his address to parliament ahead of the vote confirming his appointment, marking the first official disclosure of the scale of desertion and draft avoidance since the war started. Ukraine’s military has been stretched thin for years while resisting a far larger and better-equipped adversary. Soldiers on the front lines face extreme conditions, often defending strategic positions despite shortages in manpower and firepower. While reports of declining morale and desertions have circulated widely, Fedorov’s comments represent an unprecedented level of transparency from Kyiv. Also Read: Pakistan signs deal with Trump-linked crypto company for cross-border payments Under Ukrainian law, men aged 18 to 60 are required to be registered with the military and carry documentation at all times, although only those between 25 and 60 can currently be mobilized. Martial law prohibits men aged 23 to 60 who are eligible for service from leaving the country, yet tens of thousands are believed to have crossed borders illegally. Following talks with Fedorov, President Volodymyr Zelensky signaled that Ukraine’s mobilization system requires significant reform to address these challenges. At 34, Fedorov is the youngest defense minister in Ukraine’s history and will turn 35 next week. He succeeds Denys Shmyhal, who has taken on the roles of First Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister. Previously, Fedorov served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation, where he played a key role in advancing Ukraine’s drone warfare capabilities. https://www.wionews.com/videos/cabinet-postpones-grade-6-reforms-to-2027-amid-row-over-adult-website-link-in-school-textbook-1768415726275/embed Emphasising technology as a solution to manpower shortages, Fedorov argued that expanding the use of robotics and advanced systems could help reduce casualties. He noted that Ukraine now has about 500 drone manufacturers, 200 companies producing electronic warfare and jamming equipment, and more than 20 private missile producers. President Zelensky said bolstering the military’s technological edge will be a central focus of Fedorov’s tenure.

Ukraine’s defense minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, has said that nearly 200,000 soldiers are AWOL, and two million are evading service

'200,000 soldiers are AWOL, 2 million Ukrainians 'wanted' for avoiding military service: Ukraine's Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov

Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has said that the country will sell non-fungible tokens (NFTs) to fund the attack against Russia.

NFTs are unique lines of computer code that confer ownership, built on the same blockchain technology that powers cryptocurrencies, which cannot be forged or otherwise manipulated.

The art world has seen a particular boom in the tokens, including a staggering $69.3 million paid last year for a digital work by artist Beeple at a sale at Christie's.

But NFTs have also attracted concerns about money-laundering, given the anonymity that underpins blockchain.

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"We will announce NFTs to support Ukrainian Armed Forces soon," Mykhailo Fedorov said in a tweet, without giving any further details of the project.

"Every day there are more and more people willing to help Ukraine to fight back the aggression."

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
After careful consideration we decided to cancel airdrop. Every day there are more and more people willing to help Ukraine to fight back the agression. Instead, we will announce NFTs to support Ukrainian Armed Forces soon. We DO NOT HAVE any plans to issue any fungible tokens
— Mykhailo Fedorov (@FedorovMykhailo) <a href="https://twitter.com/FedorovMykhailo/status/1499348177002151937?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Fedorov, also Ukraine's minister of digital transformation, has spearheaded Kyiv's push to raise funds in crypto-assets.

"Stand with the people of Ukraine. Now accepting cryptocurrency donations. Bitcoin, Ethereum and USDT," the official Twitter account of the Ukraine government said in message.

Ukraine has also issued war bonds that have a nominal value of 1,000 Ukrainian hryvnia and offered an 11 per cent&nbsp;interest rate. It has so far raised 8.1bn hryvnia (£202m; $270m) from an auction of war bonds.

"The proceeds from the bonds will be used to meet the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine," said the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-is-the-chain-of-command-for-potential-russian-nuclear-strikes-458854" hreflang="en">What is the chain of command for potential Russian nuclear strikes?</a>

With the invasion in its second week, another round of talks between Russia and Ukraine yielded a tentative agreement to set up safe corridors to evacuate citizens and deliver humanitarian aid to the country, overturned by a war that has sent more than 1 million fleeing over the border and countless others sheltering underground night after night.&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s forces have brought their superior firepower to bear over the past few days, launching hundreds of missiles and artillery attacks on cities and other sites around the country and making significant gains in the south.

The Russians announced the capture of the southern city of Kherson, a vital Black Sea port of 280,000, and local Ukrainian officials confirmed the takeover of the government headquarters there, making it the first major city to fall since the invasion began a week ago.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has said that the country will sell non-fungible tokens (NFTs) to fund the attack against Russia. NFTs are unique lines of computer code that confer ownership, built on the same blockchain technology that powers cryptocurrencies, which cannot be forged or otherwise manipulated.

Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has said that the country will sell non-fungible tokens (NFTs) to fund the attack against Russia. NFTs are unique lines of computer code that confer ownership, built on the same blockchain technology that powers cryptocurrencies, which cannot be forged or otherwise manipulated. The art world has seen a particular boom in the tokens, including a staggering $69.3 million paid last year for a digital work by artist Beeple at a sale at Christie's. But NFTs have also attracted concerns about money-laundering, given the anonymity that underpins blockchain. "We will announce NFTs to support Ukrainian Armed Forces soon," Mykhailo Fedorov said in a tweet, without giving any further details of the project. "Every day there are more and more people willing to help Ukraine to fight back the aggression." After careful consideration we decided to cancel airdrop. Every day there are more and more people willing to help Ukraine to fight back the agression. Instead, we will announce NFTs to support Ukrainian Armed Forces soon. We DO NOT HAVE any plans to issue any fungible tokens — Mykhailo Fedorov (@FedorovMykhailo) March 3, 2022 × Fedorov, also Ukraine's minister of digital transformation, has spearheaded Kyiv's push to raise funds in crypto-assets. "Stand with the people of Ukraine. Now accepting cryptocurrency donations. Bitcoin, Ethereum and USDT," the official Twitter account of the Ukraine government said in message. Ukraine has also issued war bonds that have a nominal value of 1,000 Ukrainian hryvnia and offered an 11 per cent interest rate. It has so far raised 8.1bn hryvnia (£202m; $270m) from an auction of war bonds. "The proceeds from the bonds will be used to meet the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine," said the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine. Also see | What is the chain of command for potential Russian nuclear strikes? With the invasion in its second week, another round of talks between Russia and Ukraine yielded a tentative agreement to set up safe corridors to evacuate citizens and deliver humanitarian aid to the country, overturned by a war that has sent more than 1 million fleeing over the border and countless others sheltering underground night after night. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s forces have brought their superior firepower to bear over the past few days, launching hundreds of missiles and artillery attacks on cities and other sites around the country and making significant gains in the south. The Russians announced the capture of the southern city of Kherson, a vital Black Sea port of 280,000, and local Ukrainian officials confirmed the takeover of the government headquarters there, making it the first major city to fall since the invasion began a week ago. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine to sell NFTs to fund attack against Russia, says Deputy PM Mykhailo Fedorov