Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the actions of ousted Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, including his participation in mass protests and calls for elections during the war, were wrong. This was reported by the Associated Press after a two-hour informal meeting of Zelensky with journalists, BTA reports.
The president publicly revealed details of his relationship with Fedorov for the first time and admitted that despite his positive attitude towards him, he believes he has taken the wrong direction.
„I really had and still have a very positive attitude towards Mykhailo. We have been through a lot together. But I think he himself is getting into, or being pushed into, the wrong things," Zelensky said.
Four offers for Fedorov
Fedorov, who was among Ukraine's most popular ministers and was recognized for accelerating the use of new technologies and unmanned systems in warfare, was fired last month.
According to Zelensky, after his removal, he offered Fedorov four different options to continue working in the government. However, the former minister refused all of the offers.
His dismissal sparked weeks of protests. Fedorov later called for elections during the war.
Zelensky also criticized the protesters' attitude towards military leaders, describing the slogans against former commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrsky and current Defense Minister Yevgen Khmara as excessive.
The “Starlink“ dispute
One of the most sensitive moments related to Fedorov, according to Zelensky, was the case of the use of the “Starlink“ satellite internet system over Russian territory.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense informed Zelensky that SpaceX had given consent to Ukraine to use “Starlink“ for operations deeper into Russia, if the necessary political approval is obtained.
Zelensky claims that he subsequently discussed the issue directly with US President Donald Trump and informed him that Elon Musk had confirmed the possibility of using the system.
In a subsequent conversation, however, Trump told Zelensky that Musk had rejected the offer and accused him of misleading the US president.
„He said that I allegedly deceived him because Musk denied Ukraine the use of „Starlink“ on Russian territory“, Zelensky said.
The Ukrainian president did not directly accuse Fedorov of lying, but indicated that this case was among the reasons for the subsequent measures taken.
$27 billion shortfall in the defense budget
Zelensky also warned of serious financial pressure on the Ukrainian defense. According to him, the Ministry of Defense is facing a budget deficit of about $27 billion, after earlier spending decisions exhausted funds planned for the second half of 2026.
The president also commented on the corruption investigation that led to the removal of a high-ranking official from the presidential administration. He said that the anti-corruption authorities do not consider him personally involved.
“The heads of the anti-corruption agencies have no questions for me. "They understand very well that I am not involved in anything like this," Zelensky said.
Kiev claims to be regaining ground in Dnipropetrovsk region
Regarding the battlefield, the Ukrainian president expressed optimism. According to him, Ukrainian forces have almost completely regained control over the Dnipropetrovsk region, with about 10 sq. km and three small villages remaining under Russian control.
Zelensky said that since the beginning of the year, Russia has occupied about 990 sq. km, while Ukraine has regained approximately 820 sq. km.
According to him, Kiev may achieve a balance between the lost and regained territory by the end of 2026.
At the same time, Zelensky pointed out that the main Russian goal remains the Konstantinovka-Slavyansk-Kramatorsk axis in the Donetsk region, and Moscow continues to insist that Ukraine withdraw from Donbas as part of a possible agreement.
Fewer and fewer „Patriot“ missiles
One of The most serious problems for Kiev remain air defense. Zelensky said that Ukraine is receiving fewer and fewer missiles for the Patriot systems, while Russian ballistic attacks are intensifying.
According to data presented by the president, Ukraine has received:
675 Patriot missiles in 2023;
364 in 2025;
264 are expected to be delivered in 2026.
Zelensky said that Kiev is seeking to secure 300 more Patriot missiles for the upcoming winter, while the Ukrainian Air Force believes that 360 are needed.
He expressed hope that Ukraine would receive some of the US reserves and said that the country is ready to pay for them.
Moscow is increasing production of ballistic missiles
According to Zelensky, Russia could eventually reach a production capacity of about 1,300 ballistic missiles per year, compared to approximately 600 currently.
Against this backdrop, Kiev is also working on alternatives to “Starlink“, including European communication solutions and its own systems.
Zelensky's statements outline the complex picture facing Ukraine — optimism about the situation on certain sections of the front, but at the same time a serious shortage of funds, air defense missiles and ongoing political turmoil in power.