Fox News senior national security correspondent Jennifer Griffin criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday after the Ukrainian leader removed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, arguing the decision could undermine recent military progress against Russia.
Griffin voiced her concerns in a post on X, where she described the move as a significant error and praised Fedorov’s leadership during his brief tenure overseeing Ukraine’s defense efforts.
“Huge mistake by Zelenskyy in firing his very qualified defense minister who had turned the tide of the war with Russia by creatively using asymmetric warfare,” Griffin wrote.
Alongside her post, Griffin shared a video of Fedorov delivering remarks about Ukraine’s military strategy.
In the clip, Fedorov emphasized the importance of pursuing unconventional tactics in the ongoing conflict.
“We need to fight for every single person,” he said. “We have to win through asymmetry.”
Fedorov, who is 35 years old, served as Ukraine’s defense minister for only six months before being removed as part of a broader government reshuffle.
Reports described the outgoing defense chief as “tech-savvy,” highlighting his emphasis on innovation and the growing role of drone technology on the battlefield. During his time leading the Defense Ministry, Fedorov pushed for expanded use of drones, a strategy that reports said helped alter the dynamics of the war.
Ukraine has increasingly relied on drone operations to strike targets deep inside Russia, including attacks on energy infrastructure considered important to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s economy and military effort.
Griffin pointed to those developments in arguing that Fedorov’s approach had contributed to Ukraine’s recent gains against Russia through the use of asymmetric warfare.
His departure comes as Zelensky carries out broader changes within his government.
According to NPR, Ukraine’s parliament has already approved Zelensky’s choice for prime minister, Serhii Koretskyi, the former chief executive officer of Naftogaz, the country’s largest oil and gas company.
Lawmakers must also approve the individual selected to replace Fedorov as defense minister.
Speaking with reporters in Kyiv following news of his departure, Fedorov reflected on his six months leading the ministry and expressed pride in what his team had accomplished during that time.
He said he had received messages of support from fellow defense ministers as well as leaders in the technology sector.
Among those reaching out, Fedorov said, was Palantir CEO Alex Karp, who offered him a job after his tenure as defense minister. Fedorov said he declined the offer.
“I don’t need to be Minister of Defense just to be Minister of Defense,” Fedorov told reporters. “I need this position so we can win this war.”
The comments underscored his focus on Ukraine’s military objectives rather than holding public office, even as his time leading the Defense Ministry came to an end.
Griffin’s criticism of Zelensky’s decision highlighted concerns over replacing a defense minister she credited with advancing Ukraine’s use of innovative military tactics. Her remarks centered on Fedorov’s efforts to expand drone warfare and what she described as his role in helping Ukraine gain momentum against Russia before his removal during the government reshuffle.
