Fedorov Weighs U.S. Trip Days After Zelensky Replaced Him and He Urged Wartime Elections
Updated
Updated · Kyiv Independent · Aug 19
Fedorov Weighs U.S. Trip Days After Zelensky Replaced Him and He Urged Wartime Elections
3 articles · Updated · Kyiv Independent · Aug 19
Summary
Next week is the earliest former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov could travel to the United States, according to U.S. and Ukrainian officials, though his planned meetings remain unclear.
The possible visit follows Fedorov's Aug. 18 call for a legal way to hold elections during the war, with safeguards for troops, Ukrainians abroad and residents of front-line areas.
Hours before that appeal, President Volodymyr Zelensky nominated acting minister Yevhen Khmara to permanently take the defense post; parliament approved him on Aug. 19.
Fedorov, dismissed in mid-July, has rejected other senior roles and publicly criticized wartime corruption and bureaucracy, arguing wasted defense funds cost troops drones, ammunition and other equipment.
The episode deepens scrutiny of Ukraine's wartime political system as a once-popular minister turns into a more vocal critic while staying in contact with Elon Musk over Starlink-related defense ideas.