Archive · 14 Jan 2026
Ukraine Appoints New Defense Minister
Ukraine has a new defense minister named Mykhailo Fedorov.
He was chosen by the Ukrainian parliament to help the country's military during the ongoing war with Russia.
Fedorov is known for his work in improving technology for the army, like setting up Starlink internet for soldiers and creating a line of defensive drones.
He wants to make the army more modern by using more robots, drones, and computers.
This is important because Russia is making progress in the east and attacking more places in Ukraine.
Fedorov's appointment is part of changes the president is making after some people in the government were involved in a big corruption scandal.
Ukraine's parliament appointed Mykhailo Fedorov as the new defense minister on January 14, 2024.
Fedorov, 34, previously served as the first deputy prime minister and digital transformation minister.
He is known for improving frontline connectivity with Starlink terminals and creating a 'drone line' for defense.
Fedorov's reform plan focuses on digitizing the army, increasing drone and AI use, and reducing corruption.
His appointment comes amid a government reshuffle following a major corruption scandal in the energy sector.
- Who
- Ukrainian Parliament and Mykhailo Fedorov
- What
- Appointment of Mykhailo Fedorov as new defense minister
- When
- January 14, 2024
- Where
- Kyiv, Ukraine
- Why
- To drive innovation and reform in the military during a critical phase of the war
- New Defense Minister
- Mykhailo Fedorov
- Previous Role
- First Deputy Prime Minister and Digital Transformation Minister
- Key Contributions
- Improved frontline connectivity with Starlink, created 'drone line'
- Reform Goals
- Digitize army, increase drone and AI use, reduce corruption
- War Context
- Nearly four-year war with Russia
- Current Military Situation
- Ukrainian forces outmanned and outgunned
- Russian Advances
- Steady progress in eastern Donetsk, increased air strikes
- Appointment Context
- Part of government reshuffle following corruption scandal