EU demands answers from Zelenskyy over defense minister Fedorov's dismissal
Photo: Andrius Kubilius, European Commissioner for Defense (Getty Images)
The resignation of Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov came as a complete surprise to Brussels. Therefore, the EU plans to ask Volodymyr Zelenskyy what led to this decision, according to European Commissioner for Defense Andrius Kubilius.
According to Kubilius, Fedorov’s replacement came as a big surprise to him personally.
As for the resignation of Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, the European Commissioner views this move with understanding.
"Indeed, sometimes changes in the government are necessary. And we’ve heard from our interlocutors here in Kyiv that the new prime minister is well-suited for this position," Kubilius says.
Nevertheless, he notes that he is most interested in who will be responsible for defense in Ukraine and what will happen to the defense minister.
The fact is that the European Commissioner has a long-standing and fruitful working relationship with Fedorov—even dating back to before Fedorov took the helm of the Ministry of Defense.
"We’ve truly managed to achieve a great deal during this period. Including almost daily diplomatic strikes in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Omsk, Crimea, and elsewhere," Kubilius explains.
He also emphasizes that the EU wants to hear from Volodymyr Zelenskyy about why he made this decision regarding Fedorov.
"It is very important for us to continue what we have started—especially regarding funding for Ukraine. 60 billion is a huge sum. Mykhailo Fedorov, Serhii Boiev, and I worked well together," the European Commissioner explains.
Incidentally, in an exclusive comment to RBC-Ukraine, Andrius Kubilius reacted to the reshuffle in the Cabinet of Ministers.
He emphasized that EU officials saw Mykhailo Fedorov as a minister who managed to achieve a great deal in a short period of time.
In addition, the European Commissioner noted that the significant measures and initiatives regarding Crimea were largely because Fedorov headed the Ministry of Defense.
