Fedorov on possible return as defence minister: I have no moral right to focus on anything else now
Former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov stated that he "has no moral right at this time to focus on anything else" other than serving as head of the Ministry of Defense.
He made this statement during a livestream on the YouTube channel of former adviser Serhiy Sternenko, responding to a question about whether there was still a chance to return to the post of defense minister and "whether that door is still open."
"I have absolutely no moral right to be involved in anything else right now – to go into business or start something like that," Fedorov said.
He said that he has received offers for other positions, "but I have no moral right to do anything else right now."
"Because while people are fighting for tomorrow… my name is being mentioned, and people generally believe that this is possible – and today, without a definitive "no," I believe we always have a chance. But whatever happens, it's very important to understand that today our country has no defense minister. We have an acting minister," Fedorov said.
Legally, as the former minister explained, this means that the deputy becomes the acting minister, meaning he is not a member of the government.
"(…) he attends Cabinet meetings, but he cannot vote on government decisions. This may be a temporary situation, but it cannot last long," Fedorov said.
According to him, it is very important that parliament vote to appoint a defense minister after its recess.
"It is very important that the entire process have a specific deadline. And that Ukraine, which is at war, finally have a defense minister," Fedorov added.
Commenting on the protests across the country where his name is being chanted, he said he did not expect this, but called it a manifestation of democracy and thanked the people.
"Of course, I didn't expect my name to be chanted at protests on the streets of our cities. But for me, this is also a sign that the Russians have failed to capture our democracy, to hold it hostage – that people are active, want change, and are following everything that's happening in the country, despite the shelling. I want to thank everyone. This is unexpected for me," the former minister said.
At the same time, he assured that "no matter what happens next, we will move forward with implementing the war plan. And ultimately, we will stop the war and achieve a result."