Rome, 16 July (LaPresse) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has publicly confirmed for the first time that there are tensions between Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, whom he has removed from office, and the Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Oleksandr Syrsky. Ukrainian media report that Zelensky spoke about the matter during a joint press conference with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who had arrived in Kyiv on a surprise visit. According to the president, the two parties were unable to reach a compromise on their own, making his direct intervention necessary. “In such a situation, a president in wartime should not be forced to make a decision. I call for unity. The parties have failed to achieve it. And this concerns not only them, but also me: I do not shirk my responsibilities,” Zelensky stated. “They are not meeting without me; instead, they must work independently, every day and consistently,” added the Ukrainian president, referring to the relationship between Fedorov and Syrsky. Zelensky also expressed confidence that Fedorov would remain part of his team. “We will discuss this a little later; we will see in what capacity,” he concluded.
Ukraine: Zelensky acknowledges the row between Fedorov and Syrsky and calls for unity
Rome, 16 July (LaPresse) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has publicly confirmed for the first time that there are tensions between Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, whom he has removed from office, and the Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Oleksandr Syrsky. Ukrainian media report that Zelensky spoke about the matter during a joint press conference with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who had arrived in Kyiv on a surprise visit. According to the president, the two parties were unable to reach a compromise on their own, making his direct intervention necessary. “In such a situation, a president in wartime should not be forced to make a decision. I call for unity. The parties have failed to achieve it. And this concerns not only them, but also me: I do not shirk my responsibilities,” Zelensky stated. “They are not meeting without me; instead, they must work independently, every day and consistently,” added the Ukrainian president, referring to the relationship between Fedorov and Syrsky. Zelensky also expressed confidence that Fedorov would remain part of his team. “We will discuss this a little later; we will see in what capacity,” he concluded.
