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Former Defense Minister Outlines Military Priorities and Ballistic Missile Test Results
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During a podcast appearance with former advisor Serhii Sternenko, former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov stated that during Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia has launched more missiles in a single month or even a single week than Ukraine receives over several months.
He disclosed that a test launch of a domestic Ukrainian ballistic missile conducted in July successfully struck its target, with the weapon designed to destroy Russian missile launchers.
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Additionally, Ukrainian lawmakers face an August 18 deadline to officially appoint a new Minister of Defense when the parliament convenes.
Fedorov stated that his initial action after being dismissed was presenting a "war plan" to acting Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara, expressing expectation that the strategy will continue to be implemented.
Until the August 18 parliamentary session, Khmara is permitted to attend Cabinet of Ministers meetings, but he cannot vote on official decisions because he holds only the position of acting minister.
Regarding mobilization reform, Fedorov stated that authorities must first resolve the issue of unauthorized leave from military units before seeking new recruits.
He noted that suitable conditions must be created for mobilized personnel to perform their duties effectively, while other citizens can continue working to support the economy.
Fedorov also reported that he remains in direct communication with American businessman Elon Musk, having spoken with him several days ago. He added that he has maintained extensive communication with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in recent days.
Their ongoing dialogue stems from the early days of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, when Fedorov directly reached out to Musk to secure Starlink satellite internet terminals for the country.
This communication proved critical in restoring essential connectivity across war-torn regions and maintaining vital front-line battlefield communications for Ukrainian forces.
Over the course of the war, Fedorov continued to coordinate with Musk to ensure terminal access, resolve operational disruptions, and block unauthorized Russian military attempts to utilize the satellite network.
Fedorov was dismissed from his post as Defense Minister in July 2026, triggering widespread public protests across the country as citizens expressed dissatisfaction with the sudden cabinet reshuffle.
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-29d9d19d97a85c2bf989612c28c066bf.jpeg "Burned books lie scattered across a warehouse after a Russian strike destroyed a major publishing and distribution center in Kharkiv on August 2, 2026. (Source: Meanwhile in Ukraine/X)")
