Ukraine's parliament appoints new defence minister The 4th since war outbreak

The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has appointed Mykhailo Fedorov as the country’s Minister of Defence. 

The decision was approved by 277 members of parliament, MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak said on Telegram, Caliber.Az reports. 

The appointment received support from all parliamentary factions. Mykhailo Fedorov becomes the fourth Ukrainian Minister of Defence since the start of the full-scale war.

Fedorov, 34, who served as the first deputy prime minister and digital transformation minister and is widely respected for his ability to innovate, said he would promote reforms to modernise and strengthen the Ukrainian army.

He has played a key role in shaping Ukraine's high-tech response to Russia's invasion. In particular, he helped improve connectivity for Ukraine's forces at the frontline by deploying Starlink terminals. 

He was also instrumental in creating a so-called 'drone line' — a defensive line of drones meant to inflict maximum damage on Russian troops.

Under Fedorov's leadership, the Digital Transformation Ministry spearheaded multiple projects, including drone production. He also played a key role in a domestic defence technology project.

Fedorov submitted his resignation from these positions on January 9.

By Khagan Isayev