Zelensky fires popular defence minister
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What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
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This is the Global News Podcast from the BBC World Service.
I'm Pete Ross, and in the early hours of Thursday, the 16th of July, these are our main stories. Ukraine's President Zelensky has sacked his popular defence minister, triggering criticism and some incredulity at a time when Kyiv is taking drone warfare deep into Russia. Iran says it's in an existential struggle with the US and its security is dependent on controlling the Strait of Hormuz. Also in this podcast, joy in Argentina. I'm really happy. I'm thrilled.
And it ended in victory because Argentina always turns the game around in the final minutes.
After the men's national football team defeat England 2-1 in the semi-final of the World Cup. And... Scientists in the Democratic Republic of Congo say they've discovered a new species of monkey.
Why did President Zelensky sack Ukraine’s popular defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov?
Being the defence minister of a country at war is a difficult job, but Ukraine's Mikhailo Fedorov seemed to be doing well, leading the military's technology push and winning over the public with a start-up-inspired management style that flew in the face of the establishment. But after only six months in the role, and with Ukraine on the front foot against Russia, Mr Fedorov is stepping down. BBC Monitoring's Vitaly Shevchenko told me why he'd been pushed out. Very few people outside the corridors of power in Kiev know exactly what happened. On the face of it, it's a very puzzling decision because just two days ago, Volodymyr Zelensky, the president, he said that the Ukrainian army's position currently is the best ever.
And this is, to a huge extent, thanks to Mikhail Fedorov, a youthful, digital-minded reformer at just 35. He was the youngest minister, and he's done so much to bring Ukraine to the very edge of digital public services. And he was trying to do the same everywhere. In the army, one of the things he's achieved, he's greatly increased the role of drones. And as everyone, including the Russians, will know, this is working rather well for the army. There's been various leaks and reports and rumours, including that his being so reform-minded, he's upset too many apple carts by fighting corruption.
How did Fedorov change Ukraine’s use of drones and digital reform in six months?
Other people say that he has been in conflict with Oleksandr Sirsky, the commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian army. Other people say that he's been spending too much money But the fact is, I've seen so many expressions of support for him in Ukraine and outside of Ukraine are saying, well, this is a huge mistake. It's a shot in the foot. And the person who is supposedly going to replace him, the current interior minister, Ihor Klamenko, he's got a completely different standing and his image is slightly stodgier.
Yeah.
What are the immediate political consequences inside Ukraine after Fedorov’s departure?
You've talked about the positive impact that he has had, Fedorov, on the Ukrainian war effort. What's likely to happen now he's leaving the post? Well, in his farewell message on social media, he's saying that he is planning to continue working as part of what he calls the mission to win. And he says to be continued. On the one hand, six months, especially for the defence minister, is such a short time.
How are US strikes and Iranian control of the Strait of Hormuz escalating tensions?
On the other hand, President Zelensky would be keen to show that he is doing something to continue reforms, continue taking Ukraine into the future. But how long, how deep is Volodymyr Zelensky's substitution bench is a big question. He can't keep replacing key figures endlessly. And very briefly, how's this news actually gone down in Ukraine? Consternation, shock. Nobody is quite certain why this is happening because people like Mikhail Fedorov, they are popular. They've been seen as doing really, really well. Vitaly Shevchenko. The latest from the Strait of Hormuz now as the US and Iran continue to wrestle for control there amid escalating strikes from both sides. The US military has announced that on Wednesday night it conducted yet more strikes against Iran's coastal defence system.
And President Trump again insisted that Iran wanted to reach a settlement.
The Islamic Republic of Iran is not happy right now.
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Chapters
8 chapters
1
What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
0:00–1:51
2
Why did President Zelensky sack Ukraine’s popular defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov?
1:51–3:36
3
How did Fedorov change Ukraine’s use of drones and digital reform in six months?
3:36–4:14
4
What are the immediate political consequences inside Ukraine after Fedorov’s departure?
4:14–4:50
5
How are US strikes and Iranian control of the Strait of Hormuz escalating tensions?
4:50–7:16
6
What did the Senate hearing reveal about Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche’s independence?
7:16–9:21
7
How did Argentina reach the World Cup final and what were the key moments vs England?
9:21–11:59
8
Why did France’s National Assembly vote to legalise assisted dying and what are the conditions?
11:59–32:01
Speakers
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