Zelenskyy Names New Defense Minister Amid Top-Level Reforms

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Key Personnel Changes in Ukraine's Government

In a significant development, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, Mykhailo Fedorov, may be appointed to lead the Ministry of Defense. This proposal was made by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during an evening address. According to Zelenskyy, Fedorov has been deeply involved in the Drone Line project and has delivered strong results in the digitalization of public services and processes.

Zelenskyy emphasized that it is now necessary to implement changes in the defense sector that will make a real difference. He clarified that the current Defense Minister, Denys Shmyhal, will remain on the team and has been offered another role in public service.

Background of Mykhailo Fedorov

Mykhailo Fedorov was born on January 21, 1991, in the city of Vasylivka, Zaporizhzhia region. He earned his higher education at Zaporizhzhia National University, graduating from the Faculty of Sociology and Management with a degree in Sociology.

Before entering public service, Fedorov was engaged in entrepreneurial and project activities in the field of digital communications and marketing. In 2019, he became head of the digital strategy for Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s election campaign, after which he was appointed Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine.

Role in Digital Transformation

In this role, Fedorov has been responsible for developing e-government, digital public services, and implementing innovative technologies in the public sector. In 2023, Mykhailo Fedorov was appointed First Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine, Minister for Innovation, Education, Science, and Technology of Ukraine.

By July 2025, Fedorov held the position of First Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine. His work has been instrumental in advancing Ukraine's digital infrastructure and modernizing public services.

Recent Personnel Changes

On January 2, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made several personnel changes. Among them, Kyrylo Budanov was appointed as the new head of the Office of the President of Ukraine. Budanov’s previous position at the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine was taken over by the former head of the Foreign Intelligence Service, Oleh Ivashchenko.

These changes reflect a strategic shift in leadership roles within Ukraine's government, aimed at enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in various sectors. The potential appointment of Fedorov as the new minister of defense signals a continued focus on innovation and technological advancement in the country's defense strategies.

Implications of the Proposed Appointment

The proposed appointment of Mykhailo Fedorov as the new minister of defense is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the defense sector. With his background in digital transformation and experience in managing large-scale projects, Fedorov is well-positioned to drive reforms and implement advanced technologies in defense operations.

This move also highlights the importance of integrating digital solutions into national security strategies. By leveraging his expertise in digital communications and project management, Fedorov could help modernize Ukraine's defense capabilities and improve overall operational efficiency.

Conclusion

The recent personnel changes in Ukraine's government underscore the country's commitment to fostering innovation and improving public services. The potential appointment of Mykhailo Fedorov as the new minister of defense represents a strategic decision to bring in experienced leaders who can drive meaningful change and enhance national security. As these developments unfold, they will likely have significant implications for Ukraine's future direction and its ability to respond to emerging challenges.