On Wednesday, the Ukrainian Parliament confirmed Mihailo Fedorov as the new Minister of Defense, who promised to promote innovation and reform to strengthen the army during a critical phase of the nearly four-year war triggered by the Russian invasion.
At the age of 34, Fedorov was previously the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation. He played a key role in shaping Ukraine’s high-tech response to the Russian invasion. He particularly contributed to improving connectivity for Ukrainian frontline forces by deploying Starlink terminals.
He also played a crucial role in creating a so-called “drone line” – a defensive line of drones designed to inflict maximum damage on Russian troops.
“Today, it is impossible to fight with new technologies using an old organizational structure. We need comprehensive changes,” Fedorov said, presenting an action plan to parliamentarians before the vote, according to Agerpres.
“Our goal is to change the system: to reform the army, to improve the infrastructure on the front, to eradicate lies and corruption, and to make leadership and trust a new culture,” he emphasized.
Fedorov takes office just a few weeks after a major corruption scandal in the energy sector, which sparked widespread public outrage against the administration of President Volodymyr Zelensky.