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Zelenskiy proposes appointing First Deputy PM Fedorov as Ukraine's new defence minister

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on January 4, 2026

1 min read

· Last updated: January 20, 2026

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Zelenskiy proposes appointing First Deputy PM Fedorov as Ukraine's new defence minister
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Jan 2 (Reuters) - President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Friday proposed appointing First Deputy Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov as Ukraine's new defence minister, praising his abilities in developing the

Zelenskiy Nominates Fedorov as New Defence Minister for Ukraine

Jan 2 (Reuters) - President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Friday proposed appointing First Deputy Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov as Ukraine's new defence minister, praising his abilities in developing the drones and digitalisation needed for the country's defence.

Fedorov also served as minister of digital transformation and his appointment must be approved by parliament. He is to replace Denys Shmyhal.

"Mykhailo is deeply engaged in the 'drone line' initiative and works very effectively on the digitalisation of state services and processes," Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address.

"Together with all our military personnel, military command, national weapons manufacturers and Ukraine's partners, we must implement changes in the defence sector that will truly help."

Zelenskiy said the ministry had shown good results under Shmyhal, a former prime minister, and that he was being offered a new government post.

(Reporting by Ron Popeski in Winnipeg and Oleksandr Kozhukhar in Kyiv; Editing by Matthew Lewis)

Key Takeaways

  • Zelenskiy proposes Fedorov as new defence minister.
  • Fedorov praised for digital and drone initiatives.
  • Appointment requires parliamentary approval.
  • Fedorov to replace Denys Shmyhal.
  • Zelenskiy emphasizes need for defence sector changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is digital transformation?
Digital transformation refers to the integration of digital technology into all areas of a business, fundamentally changing how it operates and delivers value to customers. It often involves adopting new technologies and processes.
What are drones used for in defense?
In defense, drones are used for surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeted strikes. They provide real-time data and can operate in environments that may be too dangerous for human personnel.

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