Mykhailo Fedorov, the former Ukrainian defense minister, stated that Ukraine is on track to strike Russian territory using domestically-manufactured ballistic missiles within the next three to six months. During an exclusive interview, the 35-year-old former official expressed confidence that such a launch would occur before the end of the year. This development represents a significant advancement for Ukraine, which has historically relied on cruise missiles and long-range drones to conduct deep strikes. While these current assets have been effective, they are slower and more susceptible to interception compared to ballistic weaponry.
The push for domestic ballistic capabilities comes as Russia continues to utilize its own ballistic arsenal against Ukraine, creating immense pressure on the country's air defense systems. In June, Fire Point, a prominent Ukrainian defense manufacturer, successfully tested a ballistic missile. Fedorov noted that Ukraine's ballistic missile program saw accelerated progress during his tenure. He emphasized the necessity of maintaining a competitive edge in technological cycles, stating, "We need to defeat Russia in every technological cycle, and we have to make decisions 24/7."
Fedorov was removed from his post by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in mid-July. The President cited an irreconcilable feud between Fedorov and Ukraine's top general, Oleksandr Syrskyi, as the primary reason for the dismissal—a decision that triggered widespread protests throughout the nation. Approximately one week later, Zelenskyy also removed Syrskyi from his position. When asked about his firing, Fedorov declined to discuss the specifics for an American audience but affirmed that Ukraine's commitment to the war remains unchanged.
Reflecting on his time in office, Fedorov was credited with increasing Ukraine's deep-strike operations tenfold and focusing on a strategy involving drones and robotics. Recently, President Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine used new Flamingo missiles to strike a Russian space agency facility in Samara, roughly 560 miles from the border. While Fedorov remains uncertain about his future in government, he stated that all his ongoing work is dedicated to ending the war and rebuilding the country. He viewed the public protests following his ouster as a testament to the Ukrainian people's dedication to freedom and democratic values.
He added: "Whatever the reason, it is important to understand that Ukraine will continue to fight."
"Soon we will see," he said. "But in any case, all my work will be aimed at ending the war and rebuilding Ukraine."
