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NATO Chief, EU Officials React to Fedorov’s Dismissal as Ukraine’s Defense Minister
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Commenting on Mykhailo Fedorov's potential resignation, Mark Rutte, Andrius Kubilius, and Katarína Mathernová warned the move would trigger serious concern and disrupt key projects. Analyst Gustav Gressel also criticized the decision, highlighting its negative impact on Ukraine's defense.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius, and German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius have responded to the sudden dismissal of Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
Reacting to the leadership change, Rutte highlighted Ukraine’s expanding capabilities under Fedorov’s tenure, noting that Kyiv is “striking deep into Russia” by targeting its industrial base and energy infrastructure. Speaking about his cooperation with the outgoing minister, the NATO leader added, "I had a good working relationship with Mykhailo Fedorov. I wish him well, and his successor no doubt will continue that path."
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Mark Rutte said that the change in Ukraine’s defense leadership would not alter Kyiv’s strategy, emphasizing that the country’s military transformation and expanded capabilities built during Fedorov’s tenure would continue. The NATO chief pointed to Ukraine’s improved battlefield performance, its ability to launch localized counterattacks, and its growing capacity to strike deep into Russian territory, targeting industrial and energy infrastructure.
He noted that Russian forces are advancing at a very slow pace while continuing to suffer heavy losses, with Russia reportedly losing between 25,000 and 35,000 soldiers every month, according to DPA on July 16.
"If you are a young Russian thinking about whether to join the military effort, you could become one of those approximately 30,000 this month or next," Rutte stated, describing the casualty rate as "terrible news for the families of the deceased and for the people themselves."
NATO chief: Ukraine's defence minister shake-up won't change strategy against Russia https://t.co/5UvrrfxgoF
— dpa news agency (@dpa_intl) July 16, 2026
Despite the leadership transition, NATO expects structural continuity, pointing to Ukraine's improved battlefield performance compared to the start of the year and its successful strikes deep into Russian territory.
Addressing the leadership change, Rutte expressed confidence in the transition.
EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarína Mathernová also highlighted Fedorov’s high efficiency leading the ministry.
Katarína Mathernová added that it had been a great pleasure to work with Fedorov, “both on the digital agenda and within the framework of the loan to support Ukraine. Winning the cognitive war—demonstrating to the world that Russia is not winning—was critical.”
Meanwhile, Andrius Kubilius, EU Commissioner for Defense and Space, stressed that replacing a professional of this level in a key position would inevitably draw Brussels’ attention and prompt European partners to seek explanations for the reshuffle.
According to European Pravda, Kubilius admitted that the news of the Ukrainian Defense Minister's planned departure was a major surprise during his trip to Kyiv. He emphasized that the EU and Fedorov had built a highly effective working relationship, successfully launching the first weapon supply lists and schedules for European funding, particularly for drone production.
"My personal opinion: this will pose a question, why such a person is being replaced," Kubilius stated, referring to Fedorov's dismissal.
The EU Commissioner stressed the critical importance of keeping joint initiatives on track, including the 60-billion-euro European defense funding package and future plans for the Freya anti-ballistic system. Kubilius noted that despite the political changes, the EU wants to ensure that all current defense production procedures and agreements remain fully operational.
As reported by Deutsche Welle, Germany has also reacted with surprise and concern over the sudden leadership change, which comes after a highly productive six-month period of bilateral defense cooperation. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius personally thanked Fedorov for his innovative approach and strategic partnership.
"Not least of all, it was your courage in innovation that gave Ukrainians a new momentum in this prolonged war," Pistorius wrote in a personal message to Fedorov.
German lawmakers and military experts expressed deeper concern over the potential impact on Ukraine's military modernization and Western defense partnerships. Members of the Bundestag highlighted Fedorov's role as a competent reformer who modernized the armed forces and local defense industries, expressing hope that his successor can quickly build similar levels of trust.
"If Russian Telegram channels are celebrating, then the first suspicion arises that something is going wrong," noted Gustav Gressel, a senior political analyst. "And that is a cautious assessment. I think Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has shot himself in the foot in a major way."
European defense experts warned that replacing Fedorov could slow down the integration of unmanned systems into the Ukrainian military and delay key industrial partnerships, including agreements to produce air defense missiles in Ukraine. Analysts emphasized that the defense industry relies heavily on mutual trust, which the incoming leadership will need to establish from scratch.
The government reshuffle marks the end of the tenure of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, whose administration worked in lockstep with the Cabinet to fundamentally modernize Ukraine's military.
During his tenure, former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov introduced several major reforms to Ukraine's military. His administration successfully blocked Russian access to Starlink terminals and significantly improved drone interception rates. Additionally, Fedorov's team launched the "Logistics Lockdown" program to target Russian supply lines.
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