Kubilius wants an explanation from Zelenskyy regarding Fedorov’s resignation
This was reported by ‘European Truth’.
Kubilius stated that he took the change of prime minister in his stride, as governments need to be refreshed from time to time. According to the European Commissioner, his interlocutors in Kyiv view the new head of the Cabinet of Ministers favourably.
The situation surrounding the Ministry of Defence raised the most questions for him.
“For me personally, Fedorov’s replacement came as a great surprise,” said Kubilius.
The European Commissioner noted that he had worked closely with Fedorov for a long time — even before Fedorov moved to the Ministry of Defence. He spoke highly of the results of this work and linked the development of Ukraine’s long-range capabilities to Fedorov’s activities.
According to Kubilius, during this period Ukraine was able to intensify strikes against military targets on Russian territory and in occupied Crimea. He mentioned operations against targets in Moscow, St Petersburg, Omsk and other regions.
Kubilius did not provide specific details regarding Fedorov’s role in individual operations. His remarks constitute an assessment of the former defence minister’s work.
The EU is interested in the future of joint defence projects
Kubilius emphasised that it is important for the European Union to continue the programmes launched with the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence, particularly those related to funding the defence industry.
He mentioned the €60 billion earmarked to support Ukraine, describing this sum as exceptionally large. According to the European Commissioner, he worked well with Fedorov and Deputy Defence Minister Serhiy Boev.
“It is very important for us to continue what we have started, particularly with regard to funding for Ukraine,” said Kubilius.
This is precisely why European partners want to understand whether previous agreements will remain in place following the change in leadership at the Ministry of Defence, and who will be responsible for their implementation.
The European Commissioner also stated that he would like to hear an explanation from Volodymyr Zelenskyy regarding the reasons for Fedorov’s resignation.
Who could head the Ministry of Defence
According to reports in the Ukrainian media and from members of parliament, the president has offered the post of Minister of Defence to Ihor Klymenko, who previously headed the Ministry of the Interior.
The final appointment must be approved by the Verkhovna Rada. The composition of the new government and the allocation of posts may change before the vote.
Following the announcement of the personnel decisions, Mykhailo Fedorov did not publicly explain why he would not remain at the helm of the Ministry of Defence. MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak claimed that the President was dissatisfied with the progress of the reform of the territorial recruitment centres and did not want to choose between Fedorov and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy did not officially cite any such reasons.
Earlier, Fedorov had been rumoured to be in line for the post of Prime Minister. According to media reports, he turned down this offer as he had only taken charge of the Ministry of Defence a few months earlier and had begun implementing his own programme of reforms.
The President ultimately nominated Serhiy Koretskyi, the head of Naftogaz, as his candidate for the post of Prime Minister.
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