Ex-Defense Minister Fedorov Says Ukraine Must Strike Russian Missile Launchers, Addresses Possible Return

Former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said Ukraine’s most effective response to Russian ballistic missile attacks is striking enemy launch crews with its own ballistic weapons, rather than relying solely on Patriot interceptors which Ukraine critically lacks. Speaking in a YouTube livestream hosted by his former adviser Serhii Sternenko on Thursday, Aug. 6, Fedorov said that production of Patriot interceptors cannot keep up with Russia’s missile output, making offensive strikes on launch sites a more viable strategy.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. “The best weapon is to strike the launch site immediately with our own ballistic missile,” Fedorov said, adding that this gives a 90% guarantee of the entire crew’s death. Successful test of long-delayed missile program Fedorov was ousted as Ukraine’s defense minister amid a broader Cabinet reshuffle on July 15, citing unresolved tension with former Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky, who has since publicly apologized to him. According to Fedorov, on the same day he left office, Ukraine successfully tested a domestic missile project that had been in development for a decade without reaching a workable result. He cited flawed technical specifications and an inadequate team as reasons for the earlier delays. “We tested it quite successfully, and hit the target almost without any deviation from course,” Fedorov said. “So now we need to finish this phase, complete any remaining testing, and begin combat use,” he continued. Other Topics of Interest Russia Doubles Military Training for Children Through 2036, Including in Occupied Parts of Ukraine From Sept. 1, the share of mandatory military training within the “Fundamentals of Security and Defense of the Motherland” is expected to grow to 50% of teaching time. Ukraine, according to Fedorov, needs several competing manufacturing groups producing ballistic missiles to drive down costs and improve output. “The future belongs to cheap missiles, very cheap missiles,” he said, adding that those should ideally then be paired with artificial intelligence (AI). Additional undisclosed operations are underway aimed at delaying Russian missile launches, he said, while Ukraine continues to secure more interceptors from partners. Addressing his political future Asked about speculation over his possible return to the defense ministry, Fedorov said that he currently has “no moral right” to pursue any other professional path. On July 30, Fedorov, who was replaced by former head of Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) Yevhen Khmara, said he was ready to return to his previous post, claiming procurement reforms angered powerful interests and contributed to his ouster. Additionally, he denied a personal conflict with Syrsky, describing their dispute as a clash over how the war should be fought. During the livestream, Fedorov said he had received offers for other work but felt bound by circumstance to decline them. On July 23, Fedorov turned down an alleged offer from Zelensky to become the “deputy prime minister for military innovations,” saying his return to his former post was the way for him to fulfill his plans to reform the military and contribute to Ukraine’s victory. According to Interfax-Ukraine citing Fedorov, Ukraine currently has no confirmed defense minister – only an acting one – since a deputy who becomes acting minister is not yet a full member of the government. “He attends Cabinet meetings, but he cannot vote on government decisions,” Fedorov said about the new defense minister, adding that “this can be a temporary situation, but it cannot continue for long.” He noted that it is important that the parliament, Verkhovna Rada, votes for the appointment of the Minister of Defense after the holidays, Interfax-Ukraine reported. Fedorov’s response to nationwide protests Fedorov’s ouster sparked nationwide protests, with thousands of Ukrainian demonstrators filling the streets of Kyiv and other cities, calling for Fedorov’s return. “I didn’t expect my name to be chanted at protests,” Fedorov said. “But for me, it’s also a signal that the Russians failed to take our democracy hostage, that people remain active, want change, and follow everything happening in the country despite the shelling,” he continued. He said Ukraine would continue implementing its war strategy regardless of political developments. “And, eventually, we will stop the war and get results,” he added. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization, reporting since 1995. Its international reach – 97% of readers are outside of Ukraine – make it truly Ukraine’s global voice.