Ousted Ukrainian defense chief takes advisory post with Italy

Mykhailo Fedorov, the Ukrainian official dismissed as defense minister in July, has accepted a position as advisor on defense innovation to Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, according to Politico Europe and Le Monde. Fedorov's appointment marks a significant pivot for the 36-year-old technocrat, who faced a dramatic break with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy weeks before his removal from office.

Fedorov's dismissal prompted thousands of Ukrainians to protest in Kyiv and other cities, according to Le Monde. His tenure had been marked by efforts to modernise Ukraine's military procurement and defence systems during the ongoing war with Russia. The exact terms of his new advisory role remain unclear, though his expertise in defence technology and innovation will inform Italy's defence policy as the country navigates European security challenges.

Italy's Defence Ministry, led by Crosetto, has increasingly positioned itself as a hub for military modernisation and NATO coordination in southern Europe. Fedorov's appointment reflects broader European efforts to draw on Ukrainian military expertise and experience as the continent reassesses its defence posture. The move also underscores Italy's role in NATO's eastern flank strategy, with Turin's aerospace and defence sectors already integral to European military-industrial cooperation.

Fedorov's move to Rome occurs as Italy prepares to deepen its involvement in European defence matters ahead of autumn parliamentary sessions. Politico Europe noted that his new advisory position comes weeks after his dramatic departure from Zelenskyy's government, signalling a vote of confidence from Italian defence circles in his technical knowledge. Le Monde reported that Fedorov announced the appointment on Friday, describing his new role as focused on defence innovation.

The appointment carries implications for Piedmont's defence and aerospace sector. Turin hosts major defence contractors and is home to Italy's aerospace research cluster, which has increasingly collaborated with NATO partners on next-generation systems. Fedorov's presence in the Defence Ministry could strengthen ties between Italian manufacturers and Ukrainian military modernisation efforts, creating new partnerships and technology-transfer opportunities as Ukraine rebuilds its forces.

For Italy's broader defence strategy, the hire signals an openness to external expertise at a moment when European security architecture is under strain. Crosetto's decision to bring in a figure with direct experience of modern conflict management and military technology procurement aligns with Italy's stated aim to strengthen NATO's defensive posture and to position itself as a credible voice in European defence debates.