Ukraine’s Drone Innovator Fired: Old Guard vs. New Tech Sparks Crisis

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine’s defense minister, a 35-year-old tech entrepreneur with no military background, was fired last week. His removal has sparked protests and exposed a deep conflict within the government. The minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, was known for modernizing Ukraine’s drone program. He changed military buying rules to fight corruption. He argued that the army’s old leadership was blocking changes needed to win the war with Russia. His main opponent was General Oleksandr Syrskyi, 60, the commander of Ukraine’s armed forces. Syrskyi is a Soviet-trained general who prefers a traditional, top-down command style. He led the successful defense of Kyiv and a major counterattack in Kharkiv. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sided with the general. He fired Fedorov as part of a larger government shake-up. Fedorov accused Syrskyi of blocking reforms. “The war has changed completely,” Fedorov said, blaming the general for high soldier casualties. Syrskyi defended himself, saying, “I’m not fighting the ministry. I’m fighting Russia.” Within the military, Syrskyi is nicknamed “the Butcher.” The name became more common after the long and bloody battle for Bakhmut. Fedorov’s firing caused protests. Soldiers and veterans joined, demanding new generals who value soldiers’ lives. The air force’s deputy commander resigned, warning the move would weaken Ukraine’s air defenses. Russian war bloggers celebrated the dismissal. They praised Fedorov for his long-range drone strikes that hit Russian oil facilities. They hope the conflict will weaken Ukraine’s military from within.