Ousted Ukrainian Defense Minister Fedorov Plans US Trip

Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov is planning a trip to the US, where he hopes to secure funding for new projects in defense technology and Ukrainian startups.

A source close to the former minister denied reports that the purpose of the trip is to seek political support after Fedorov called for elections to be held during the war.

According to the source, he does not plan to meet with any American politicians or officials. One of the projects in the works is reportedly an investment fund. Fedorov, who was dismissed by Volodymyr Zelensky in July, is a strong advocate for drones and new military technologies.

His dismissal as minister sparked several weeks of protests in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities demanding his return. Fedorov also has close ties with American technology companies SpaceX and Palantir.

At the start of the Russian invasion, his personal appeal to SpaceX owner Elon Musk led to the activation of Starlink services in Ukraine. According to the source, he remains in contact with Musk about Starlink, though a face-to-face meeting is not currently planned.

(Reuters, mja)