'I have no moral right to engage in anything else' — Fedorov hopes for reinstatement as defense minister

Former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said he still hopes to return to the post after being dismissed during the government's recent reshuffle, speaking on Serhii Sternenko's Aug. 6 YouTube show.

"I currently have no moral right to engage in anything else," Fedorov said. "While people are fighting for tomorrow and my name is being mentioned... today there is no clear 'no,' I believe we always have a chance."

Fedorov noted that Ukraine currently has only an acting defense minister, Yevhenii Khmara, who cannot vote on Cabinet decisions.

"This may be a temporary situation, but it cannot go on for long," he said, adding that it would be "irresponsible" for the country to remain without a permanent defense minister after parliament returns from recess on Aug. 18, when lawmakers will again be able to approve a ministerial appointment.

Asked what he would do if he is not reinstated, Fedorov said he would wait until after parliament returns before discussing his future.

"Let's wait until we pass those dates, and then I will talk more about my path and what we will do. I have options B, C, D, and so on," he said.

Fedorov stressed that, regardless of whether he returns to the ministry, he intends to continue contributing to Ukraine's war effort.

"It is important to work towards our victory," he said, adding that Ukraine does not have "hundreds of teams with hundreds of people who understand the war and are ready to serve their country 24/7."

"We will find a format in which we will serve our country regardless," he added.

Fedorov also said he had already handed his action plan for the ministry to acting Defense Minister Khmara.

Asked whether President Volodymyr Zelensky had remained in contact with him since his dismissal, Fedorov replied: "We have had some communication," without further details.

During his tenure, Fedorov oversaw a series of high-profile reforms and initiatives aimed at strengthening Ukraine's military capabilities.

Fedorov, who was widely seen as highly effective, was removed as defense minister on July 16. Since then, thousands of people have taken to the streets to demand the reinstatement of the minister.

While a new government has since been approved, parliament has yet to appoint permanent defense and foreign ministers.

Zelensky said on July 21 that he had offered Fedorov "a prominent position in the government" focused on strengthening Ukraine's technological sector.

Fedorov has rejected alternative government roles, maintaining that he is prepared to serve only as defense minister.