Ukraine’s ousted defence chief rejects Zelensky’s job offer

In a statement sent to reporters on Thursday, Fedorov said that when he was appointed defense minister in January, his team had “a specific plan on how to end the war.”

The key elements, he said, are protection of the sky, stabilization of the front, as well as attacks on the Russian economy.

“We implemented this plan steadily for six months. For the first time in recent years, Ukraine began to seize the initiative. [on the battlefield].

“Our joint conclusions have created something unprecedented; a window of opportunity to force Russia into peace through force. And we cannot afford to lose it.”

He emphasized that he was never seeking any “post or status” but merely wanted “to have the opportunity to really influence the outcome and bring Ukraine’s victory closer.”

Fedorov was replaced by Yevhenii Khmara, a former senior official of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).

Zelensky, who met with Fedorov earlier this week, announced that he offered him the post of deputy prime minister responsible for military innovations.

“This is a very important role,” the president said Thursday, “because innovation needs to be coordinated with leadership from the department of defense, the commander in chief, and the president.”

However, Fedorov refused. It is unclear whether this statement means negotiations on its future are over.

Presidential advisor Dmytro Lytvyn said talks were ongoing and “it would not be appropriate to disclose details at this stage.”