Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that actions taken by his dismissed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, including involvement in mass protests and calls for an election, were misguided. Zelenskyy publicly detailed their dispute for the first time, also alluding to problematic defense spending and inaccurate information that contributed to an awkward encounter with former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Starlink use.
Zelenskyy disclosed figures indicating Ukraine's growing shortage of Patriot air-defense missiles, crucial for countering Russian ballistic attacks. Deliveries from Western allies have reportedly declined in the past three years, even as Russian missile strikes have intensified. He noted that Ukraine received 675 Patriot missiles in 2023, compared to 364 in 2022 and an expected 264 this year. Ukraine's air force has requested 360 missiles for the upcoming winter, while Zelenskyy aims to secure 300 additional Patriot missiles.
Battlefield Developments and Budgetary Challenges
On the battlefield, Zelenskyy expressed optimism, reporting that Ukrainian forces have almost completely recaptured the Dnipropetrovsk region, with only about 10 square kilometers remaining under Russian control. He also stated that another operation was underway elsewhere, with results expected by the end of August. Zelenskyy predicted that by year's end, Ukraine could achieve parity between territory occupied by Russia since the start of the year and territory retaken by Ukrainian forces.
The president also described severe financial pressure on Ukraine's defense efforts, stating the Defense Ministry faced a $27 billion budget shortfall after spending decisions earlier in the year brought forward funds originally intended for the second half of the year. He indicated that Russia's principal objective remains the Konstantynivka-Sloviansk-Kramatorsk axis and that Moscow continues to demand Ukraine withdraw from the Donbas region as a condition for a settlement.
Political Turmoil and Starlink Incident
Zelenskyy stated that he had offered Fedorov four different government roles, all of which were rejected. The Ukrainian leader believes holding an election during the war would pose significant risks and could potentially "split Ukraine apart." He noted that while he had previously faced pressure to hold elections during wartime, no partners had presented a plan for how a poll could be conducted safely, legitimately, and democratically.
Zelenskyy appeared to link Fedorov to an incident involving Starlink and Elon Musk. According to Zelenskyy, the Defense Ministry had informed him that SpaceX had agreed to allow Ukraine to use Starlink over Russian territory for deep strike operations, subject to political approval. Acting on this information, Zelenskyy discussed the issue with then-U.S. President Donald Trump, who later stated that Musk had rejected the proposal and accused Zelenskyy of misleading him. Musk reportedly considered the move a dangerous escalation. Zelenskyy stated that at a later meeting, Trump told him Musk had denied the proposal, and when Zelenskyy returned to the Defense Ministry, they acknowledged that "maybe it was so."
Dismissal of Officials and Protests
The president also pushed back against protesters' criticism of former army chief, Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, and current Defense Minister Maj. Gen. Yevhen Khmara. Zelenskyy said that slogans such as 'Syrskyi is the devil, Khmara is the devil' went too far, emphasizing that such treatment of the military is unacceptable, especially given their role in enabling peaceful protests.
Fedorov, credited with modernizing Ukraine's armed forces and accelerating the adoption of technology and drone warfare, was dismissed last month. His removal triggered weeks of mass protests that ultimately failed to reverse the decision. Fedorov later called for an election.
On a corruption inquiry that led Zelenskyy to dismiss one of his most senior officials, the president stated that anti-corruption investigators have "zero questions" for him and understand he is not involved in such matters. Investigators had named a deputy head of the presidential office among suspects in a money-laundering case.
Zelenskyy also addressed Ukraine preparing alternatives to Starlink, including a European communications project, as Russia and China reportedly work on their own competing systems. He noted that Ukraine received 675 Patriot missiles in 2023, compared to 364 in 2022 and an expected 264 this year. The shortfall is particularly concerning as the United States and European partners face challenges in expanding production.