politics
Fired Ukrainian Defense Minister Says Ukraine Is in a "Technological War" with Russia
August 15, 2026 / 10:18 PM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- Former Ukrainian defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov believes Ukraine is in a "technological war" with Russia.
- Fedorov designed Ukraine's strategy of using drones and robots to counter Russia's larger military.
- He was fired in July due to a feud with Ukraine's top general, Oleksandr Syrskyi, sparking protests.
- Ukraine has increased deep strikes into Russia tenfold and bolstered its domestic arsenal under Fedorov's influence.
- Ukraine is developing new weapons, including Flamingo missiles and potentially ballistic missiles, with strikes into Russia estimated within three to six months.
- Fedorov views the protests over his dismissal as a sign of Ukrainian support for democratic values and freedom.