Italy: Former Ukrainian minister Mykhailo Fedorov joins the Ministry of Defence as an innovation advisor

Mykhailo Fedorov will put his experience gained within the Ukrainian defense establishment at the service of Italy. The former Ukrainian Minister of Defense announced on Friday that he had accepted an offer from his Italian counterpart, Guido Crosetto, to become his advisor specializing in military innovation. He will notably contribute to the development of technologies adapted to new forms of conflict and support the modernization of the Italian defense sector.

The Italian Ministry of Defense confirmed this collaboration, presented as an opportunity to benefit from the Ukrainian experience developed since the start of the Russian invasion in 2022. Rome is particularly interested in autonomous systems and air defense technologies. Fedorov, who has strongly encouraged the use of drones and digital technologies in the Ukrainian armed forces, also stated that he will continue to work on projects aimed at strengthening his country's military capabilities and attracting international funding.

A new step after her breakup with Zelensky

This appointment comes a few weeks after Mykhailo Fedorov's tumultuous departure from the Ukrainian government. Dismissed in July by Volodymyr Zelensky during a cabinet reshuffle, the former minister had previously clashed with the military command. His removal sparked protests in Ukraine. Since his departure, Fedorov has intensified his criticism of the government, denouncing corruption and what he describes as a "culture of lies" within the country.

The former minister also called for a return to the electoral process, a position rejected by Volodymyr Zelensky in the context of the war and martial law, which currently prevents the organization of a national election. Now engaged in an international tour focused on military technologies and digitalization, Fedorov intends to develop new partnerships abroad. As of Friday evening, the Ukrainian presidency had not reacted to the announcement of his future collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Defense.