M. Fedorovas confirmed the conflict with the commander-in-chief, stating that O. Syrskis blocked all his initiatives and was not willing to discuss problems, but “ready to create intrigues.”
“To be honest, when the president said he did not intend to dismiss O. Syrskis, it was his decision as commander-in-chief. I agree and will try to learn to work with him… However, we faced a complete blockade of all our initiatives,” said M. Fedorovas, quoted by the portal “New Voice.”
He said that O. Syrskis “issued an ultimatum” and, instead of coming up with how to asymmetrically defeat Russia, “came up with how to divide the country.”
At the same time, M. Fedorovas noted that O. Syrskis should not be underestimated as a war leader, as in 2022 he “saved the country.” M. Fedorovas recalled successful operations for the defense of Kyiv and Kharkiv, as well as the liberation of Kherson, which were led by O. Syrskis and in which he himself participated. However, since then the war has changed, added M. Fedorovas.
He also stated that, besides O. Syrskis, he proposed to the president to dismiss Chief of the General Staff Andrij Hnatov.
“We have no other choice if we want to defeat the enemy asymmetrically, suffering as few losses as possible – so that strong leaders and commanders improve, not get written off,” said M. Fedorovas.
On July 16, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine is expected to vote on the appointment of several ministers to the new government of Serhiy Koretsky. It is believed that Defense Minister M. Fedorovas will be replaced – he is proposed to be replaced by the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ihor Klymenko. On Thursday, rallies in support of M. Fedorovas are taking place in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, and Lviv.
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