Ukrainian Domestic — 2026-07-14

Zelensky Eyes Replacing Defense Minister Fedorov as Part of Major Government Overhaul

BLUFDual-outlet sourcing naming Klymenko as replacement reflects genuine reshuffle planning, but Fedorov's resistance and the absence of a forcing event leave Zelensky free to delay or reverse course.

President Volodymyr Zelensky is considering removing Mykhailo Fedorov from the Defense Ministry, with Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko a possible replacement, according to Ukrainska Pravda government sources and separate LB.ua sources close to the Presidential Office 12. Zelensky asked Fedorov whether he would head the government, but Fedorov declined, citing his recent start at the ministry and unfinished reform work 1. UP sources said a July 12 meeting between Zelensky and Fedorov functioned as a working session rather than a premiership interview; Fedorov afterward told colleagues his position remained secure, though several UP sources disputed that account 1. If Klymenko moves to Defense, national police chief Ivan Vyhivskyi is a possible successor at the Interior Ministry, per UP sources 1. LB.ua separately reported the reshuffle follows Zelensky's meetings that day with Klymenko, Fedorov and Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal as part of a broader cabinet overhaul 2.

Analysis
Fedorov's public reassurance to colleagues conflicts with multiple Ukrainska Pravda sources disputing it, and his refusal of the premiership signals resistance to reassignment rather than acceptance of a quiet exit. Klymenko's readiness to move from Interior is the clearest sign of active planning, though nothing yet forces Zelensky's hand on timing. Moderate confidence follows from converging government-source reporting on reshuffle mechanics paired with directly contradictory accounts from within the same administration, with two of three sources offering primary government-team reporting and Kyiv Independent adding only secondary pickup. The Klymenko option may instead be a pressure tactic aimed at extracting concessions from Fedorov on ministry reforms rather than a genuine removal plan.

3 sources