World

Ukraine: Zelenskyy Dismisses Defense Minister Fedorov and Prime Minister Svyrydenko

Herz — World Desk · 16 July 2026 at 08:11 · 30s summary · 3 min read

The essentials

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko on July 16, 2026, in an extensive government reshuffle despite calls from foreign partners and Ukrainian civil society to retain them. Fedorov, 35, had served as Defense Minister for six months, during which Ukraine struck Russian oil refineries with long-range drones and tested a new ballistic missile at reduced cost. Outgoing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Kyiv the same day for a farewell visit.

Zelenskyy dismisses Defense Minister Fedorov and PM Svyrydenko on July 16, 2026
Fedorov, 35, was Defense Minister for only six months
Fedorov struck Russian oil refineries and disabled Starlink for enemy forces
Ukrainian ballistic missile tested with 30% cost reduction on same day
Outgoing British PM Starmer arrives in Kyiv for farewell visit

Ukraine : Zelenskyy limoge le ministre de la Défense Fedorov et la Première ministre Svyrydenko — http://www.president.gov.ua/, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

What We Know

This decision came despite explicit calls from foreign partners and Ukrainian civil society to retain these two officials in their positions.

Fedorov, 35, had served as Defense Minister for six months. During this period, Ukraine's military position improved significantly.

Mykhailo Fedorov's Record

Under his leadership, the Ukrainian military repeatedly struck Russian oil refineries with long-range drones. These strikes caused fuel shortages across Russia and embarrassed Vladimir Putin.

In his farewell message, Fedorov cited among his achievements the disabling of Starlink — SpaceX's satellite internet service based on a constellation of thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit — for Russian troops. He also mentioned providing additional drones to destroy enemy logistics and isolate occupied Crimea.

Fedorov also claimed to have 'radically improved' the defense procurement system, saving the state budget 'billions of dollars.'

On the day of his dismissal, he announced the successful test of a Ukrainian ballistic missile achieving maximum accuracy, with a cost reduction of 30% compared to previous technical requirements.

Keir Starmer's Farewell Visit to Kyiv

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Kyiv on July 16, 2026, for a farewell visit intended to mark the United Kingdom's support for Ukraine during his tenure.

Starmer is set to step down as British Prime Minister during the week of July 16, 2026. His visit to Kyiv illustrates the central place Ukraine held in his record.

Timeline

January 2026
Mykhailo Fedorov assumes office as Ukrainian Defense Minister.
January–July 2026
The Ukrainian military conducts repeated long-range drone strikes against Russian oil refineries. Starlink access for Russian troops is disabled. Drones are deployed to isolate occupied Crimea.
July 16, 2026 (morning)
Fedorov announces the successful test of a ballistic missile achieving maximum accuracy, with a 30% cost reduction compared to previous technical specifications.