Fedorov offers drone technology to US in exchange for Patriots, seeks funding for defense tech fund

In July, Defense Minister Yevhenii Khmara met with former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov to discuss continuing their collaboration. However, Fedorov has not yet replied to Khmara's proposal, according to a statement from Khmara to reporters, as reported by NV. When asked if Fedorov could return to the Defense Ministry in a new capacity, Khmara said they had only met once in July and did not provide a specific position for Fedorov but suggested finding a format for continued cooperation on projects.

Khmara expressed his desire to keep the Defense Ministry team together to maintain continuity and finish ongoing initiatives. He highlighted the presence of skilled professionals within the ministry who focus on continuity, completing key projects, and addressing areas needing more focus. The ministry also plans to accelerate its digital transformation and enhance cognitive warfare capabilities, Khmara added.

On August 23, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed Fedorov of four opportunities to remain part of the state team. However, Fedorov has turned down all of these offers, as stated by the president on that date. Later, on August 28, Fedorov revealed he has become an adviser to Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto on defense innovation.

Their initial discussions focused on advancing drone technology, autonomous systems, air defense, and the broader defense technology landscape. Crosetto directly approached Fedorov to offer the advisory role, according to the minister.

Crosetto first reached out to Fedorov after his dismissal from the Ukrainian defense ministry, according to a late July report by La Repubblica. The minister claimed he called Fedorov the day after his removal from office, and Fedorov saw the offer as a sign of respect and friendship, as Crosetto explained. On August 29, Fedorov’s press office clarified that his former role as defense minister does not preclude him from serving as an adviser.

Earlier, on July 14, the Verkhovna Rada dismissed the entire government, including then-Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Mass protests erupted on July 16 in Kyiv and other cities, rallying behind Fedorov and calling for the resignation of Oleksandr Syrskyi, who served as commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In response, the president replaced Syrskyi with Mykhailo Drapatyi and held multiple meetings with Fedorov, proposing various positions, including deputy prime minister for military innovation. Fedorov, however, stated he would accept only the defense minister position.