Ukraine is gradually losing to Russia in the armed conflict, and Kiev has only a few months left to make decisions that could change the situation. This was stated by former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov in an interview with Reuters.
“I think we are now at a turning point that will determine our future path, but it seems that we are gradually, slowly losing,” Fedorov said.
According to him, the Ukrainian leadership lacks a unified vision of how to achieve victory and end the conflict. The situation, as the former minister claims, is exacerbated by the inability to quickly implement innovations, entrenched corruption, patronage networks, and the lack of political independence of state institutions.
Fedorov stated that the Ukrainian authorities are far from fully utilizing the available technological potential. In particular, he called insufficient the development of autonomous drones with artificial intelligence, low-cost interceptor missiles, and a domestic ballistic program. According to the former minister, such technologies already exist, but Kiev is not using them due to the lack of a comprehensive strategy.
“Technologies that could completely stop the Russians already exist, but our lack of vision means we are not using them,” Reuters quoted him as saying.
Fedorov assessed the effectiveness of state institutions at about 5%. He also stated that corruption is not limited to individual officials but is linked to broader influence networks that hinder decision-making in the interests of the state.
Mykhailo Fedorov left the post of Defense Minister in July following a reshuffle in the Ukrainian government. His dismissal sparked protests in Kiev and other cities. Reuters described Fedorov as a reformer focused on technology development and military innovation.
After his resignation, the former minister criticized the system of public administration and called for elections in wartime conditions. Reuters noted that this initiative did not receive widespread support and heightened the political confrontation between Fedorov and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
To change the situation, Fedorov called on Kiev to urgently prepare a new plan to end the conflict and focus on the practical implementation of technologies. Among his priorities, he listed:
- the creation of autonomous drones with artificial intelligence systems;
- the development of low-cost means to intercept Russian aerial attacks;
- the development of a domestic ballistic program;
- reform of state institutions;
- the fight against corruption and patronage networks;
- the formation of a unified strategy to achieve military and political goals.
At the same time, Fedorov did not say that Ukraine has no chance of changing the course of the conflict. His assessment is that the window of opportunity is rapidly narrowing, and without systemic changes, the country risks finally losing the initiative. Reuters also noted that the former minister’s words differ markedly from the official rhetoric of Kiev.
