Mikhail Fedorov: possible defense minister

Mykhailo Fedorov, former head of the online direction of Volodymyr Zelenskyy's election campaign and Ukraine's first vice-prime minister for digital transformation, was considered for the post of defense minister in 2024. In 2019, he led the 'Diia' project – 'the state in a smartphone'. In 2022, Fedorov called on IT giants to restrict Russians' access to Apple and Microsoft services and urged to 'stop propaganda and isolate Russia from the world'. He spoke out against the Russian video game Atomic Heart, accusing it of 'romanticizing communism', and proposed assembling FPV drones for frontline operations. According to Ukrainian media, in 2024 Fedorov declined the appointment due to a conflict with the General Staff. Currently, he may become a candidate for the position of Ukraine's defense minister, symbolizing the country's focus on digital warfare, where technology and propaganda play a significant role in defense strategy.

Context

Fedorov previously focused on developing digital initiatives, including the 'Diia' project, and in 2019 became one of the key figures in the country's digital transformation.