Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly detailed a rift with his recently dismissed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, stating that some of the former minister's actions were misguided, including his involvement in protests and calls for elections.
Zelenskyy also alluded to problematic decisions regarding defense spending and noted that inaccurate information from the Defense Ministry contributed to an awkward encounter with former U.S. President Donald Trump concerning the use of Starlink technology. These remarks were made during an off-the-record meeting with reporters on Saturday, with a transcript released publicly on Sunday.
"I really had and still have a very positive attitude toward Mykhailo," Zelenskyy said. "We have been through a lot together. But I believe that he himself goes, or is pushed, into the wrong things."
Fedorov, who was credited with modernizing Ukraine's armed forces and advancing drone warfare, was dismissed last month. His removal prompted several weeks of protests that did not lead to a reversal of the decision. He later advocated for elections in a video address.
Zelenskyy stated that he had offered Fedorov four alternative government roles, all of which were rejected. The president suggested that Fedorov's involvement in a misunderstanding with Elon Musk over Starlink's use on Russian territory played a role in the decision to dismiss him. Zelenskyy recounted that the Defense Ministry informed him that SpaceX had agreed to allow Starlink usage over Russian territory for deep strike operations, contingent on political approval. Zelenskyy then discussed the matter with then-President Trump, relaying that Musk had confirmed the proposal. However, Musk later denied this, leading Trump to accuse Zelenskyy of misleading him, according to the Ukrainian president.
"He said that I had supposedly deceived him because Musk had denied Ukraine the use of Starlink on Russian territory. I went back to our Ministry of Defense and they said that maybe it was so," Zelenskyy said, adding that this episode was among the reasons for "some of the steps."
Zelenskyy also defended former army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi and current Defense Minister Maj. Gen. Yevhen Khmara against what he termed excessive criticism from protesters. "Listen, this is too much. Do you understand? In principle, you can't treat the military like this and tolerate it, especially when it was the military that made it possible for any peaceful protests to take place in the Ukrainian capital at all," he stated.
The president also highlighted significant financial pressures on Ukraine's defense budget, citing a $27 billion shortfall. This arose after spending decisions earlier in the year brought forward funds originally allocated for the latter half of 2026.
Regarding battlefield developments, Zelenskyy expressed optimism. He reported that Ukrainian forces had nearly reclaimed control of the Dnipropetrovsk region, with only a small area remaining under Russian occupation. He also indicated another operation was underway with results expected by the end of August.
Zelenskyy projected that by the end of 2026, Ukraine might achieve parity between territory occupied by Russia since the beginning of the year and territory retaken by Ukrainian forces. He stated Russia had occupied approximately 990 square kilometers in 2024, while Ukraine had regained control of roughly 820 square kilometers.
Ukraine is facing a substantial decrease in Patriot air-defense missiles, even as Russian ballistic missile attacks intensify. Zelenskyy disclosed that Ukraine received 675 Patriot missiles in 2023, a figure he contrasted with 364 in 2025 and an expected 264 in 2026. He expressed a need for 300 additional Patriot missiles for the upcoming winter, with Ukraine's Air Force requesting 360. The shortfall is exacerbated by difficulties in expanding production by the United States and European partners. Zelenskyy indicated a hope to acquire even a small percentage of U.S. reserves, provided Ukraine could pay for them.
Zelenskyy also noted that Russia's annual ballistic missile production capacity is estimated to reach up to 1,300, compared to a current capacity of 600. Ukraine is reportedly developing alternatives to Starlink, including a European communications project, as Russia and China work on their own competing systems.