Fedorov's U.S. trip to attract Pentagon and defense contractor interest, MP says

U.S. defense officials and top universities are closely monitoring the wartime experience of former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov ahead of his upcoming visit to the United States, as reported by lawmaker Oleksiy Honcharenko on Aug. 28 via Radio NV. While American institutions appreciate Fedorov's broader governmental background, their primary focus lies in understanding how Ukraine managed to survive and adapt technologically during a full-scale war.

Honcharenko highlighted that Fedorov is a compelling figure due to his ministerial tenure, particularly his recent role as the head of the Ministry of Digital Transformation, which underscores the world's current interest in Ukraine's direct wartime experience. The lawmaker anticipates that Fedorov will engage in high-level meetings across Washington, expressing confidence that universities will be eager to invite him as a lecturer, leveraging his expertise and insights.

Additionally, Honcharenko suggested that Fedorov may employ the U.S. visit to build political support for his post-government vision. Following the dismissal of the entire Cabinet of Ministers, including Fedorov, on July 14, public demonstrations in Kyiv and other cities backed him and demanded the removal of then-Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.

Fedorov subsequently held a press conference on July 16, outlining his policy disagreements with Syrskyi and the military management challenges that led to the dispute. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy later replaced Syrskyi with Mykhailo Drapatyi as Commander-in-Chief and held multiple meetings with Fedorov, offering him various positions, including Minister for Military Innovation.

However, on July 31, Fedorov stated that he would not join the political opposition against President Zelenskyy during wartime but ruled out returning to any government role other than the Minister of Defense. On Aug. 19, Yevhen Khmara was appointed Minister of Defense, and Fedorov announced his planned trip to the United States on Aug.

18, emphasizing that the visit centers around defense technology projects, with specific dates yet to be determined.