Kuleba called for Syrsky to be dismissed following Fedorov’s resignation
Kuleba wrote about this on Facebook, commenting on the personnel changes in the government.
“Syrskyi must also go if the reason for the current crisis is incompatibility with Fedorov,” the diplomat noted.
At the same time, he emphasised that Fedorov’s return to the Ministry of Defence would no longer resolve the situation. In Kuleba’s view, the former minister’s relationship with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been irreparably damaged.
The former foreign minister also emphasised that the head of state has the constitutional right to decide independently who to work with in the government, but citizens have the right to express their views through peaceful protests.
“In the political battles waged by politicians, the main thing is not to lose the war the country is fighting,” Kuleba wrote.
Public conflict at the Ministry of Defence
Kuleba’s statement came after a high-profile briefing by Mykhailo Fedorov, who on 16 July spoke in detail for the first time about the conflict with the Commander-in-Chief.
According to the former defence minister, Syrskyi blocked the Ministry of Defence’s initiatives, issued ultimatums and hindered the implementation of reforms. Fedorov also stated that he had suggested to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that both Syrskyi and Chief of the General Staff Andriy Hnatov be dismissed.
In response, Syrskyi declined to comment on the substance of the allegations, expressing his wish for Fedorov to remain part of Ukraine’s team.
Following Fedorov’s resignation, Yevhen Khmara has been appointed acting Minister of Defence. The President has already stated his intention to nominate him for the post of Minister once the Verkhovna Rada resumes its plenary sessions.
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