Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov Joins Italian Government as Innovation Advisor

Former Ukrainian Minister of Defense Mykhailo Fedorov has accepted an offer from Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto to serve as his advisor on defense innovation.

Fedorov announced the appointment directly through his social media accounts.

In his new role, Fedorov will assist Italy in advancing modern warfare technologies, improving its defense sector, and adapting to global security challenges. He will not move to Italy and will remain in Ukraine, according to Fedorov’s press service in a comment to Suspilne.

He noted that Ukraine holds a unique experience in technological warfare that it is ready to share with partners, while maintaining his primary focus on ongoing projects within Ukraine to strengthen national defense and attract international resources.

According to Hromadske, the job offer was extended to Fedorov by Crosetto in late July, during nationwide protests regarding the former minister's resignation. Crosetto stated, “I called him the day after his resignation and said: ‘When do you want to come to Rome and work as my advisor?’”

Fedorov's visit to Italy took place as part of an international trip focused on developing digital and defense technology initiatives. He indicated that further meetings with international partners regarding digitalization, defense tech, and new projects are planned.

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Fedorov emphasized that the future of defense belongs to nations capable of quickly testing and scaling modern solutions by combining technology with robust production. He added that Ukraine's experience could form the foundation of a new defense model for Europe.

On July 15, it was announced that Fedorov was dismissed from his post as defense minister, with Khmara appointed as acting defense minister in his place.

Reflecting on his service, Fedorov highlighted a series of key initiatives completed by his team during his time in office: successfully disconnecting Russia’s access to Starlink terminals, coordinating a “Logistics Lockdown” campaign against Russia, and launching procurement reforms.

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