President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Mykhailo Fedorov was dismissed as defence minister because of a lack of effective communication between the ministry and the army leadership. According to the President, the two sides were unable to cooperate without his personal involvement.
Zelensky made the statement during a joint media appearance with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Ukrinform reports.
The President said he wanted to see unity between the Ministry of Defence and the army leadership, but the two sides had failed to achieve it. Zelensky also acknowledged his own responsibility for the situation.
“I would very much like there to be unity. The sides did not find it. And this is not only their problem, but mine as well. I am not absolving myself of responsibility,” he said.
Zelensky added that he respected both sides, knew their strengths and weaknesses, and wanted them to work together to strengthen Ukraine.
According to the President, such a situation leaves him having to choose one side or the other because they would not sit down for talks without his involvement.
“I am the President of Ukraine. But there is also the Ministry of Defence and the army leadership. They must work together independently every day, on a permanent basis,” Zelensky stressed.
