Syrsky for the first time spoke about his conflict with ex-Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov
"He believed he knew our needs better." In an interview with BBC, Oleksandr Syrsky stated that the cause of disputes with Mikhail Fedorov was army funding and arms procurement.
Mikhail Fedorov. Photo from his social media
According to the former Commander-in-Chief, Fedorov preferred the procurement of drones, ignoring other needs of the troops. As a result, the army lacked ground robots and other equipment. The ex-minister himself had previously accused Syrsky of blocking initiatives and intrigues.
As the general explained, the General Staff drew up a procurement plan based on requests from the troops. However, the minister, according to Syrsky, allocated funds according to his own priorities: for example, he financed drone purchases for a year immediately, while purchases of ground robotic systems and other necessary equipment were not carried out.
"He believed that he knew our needs better, that our needs could be ignored," Syrsky said.
When asked if he was against increasing drone purchases, the general answered negatively. He says that the front needs to be supplied in a balanced way: simultaneously purchasing drones, ammunition, ground robots, and transport. At the same time, according to him, even drone deliveries were only half fulfilled.
Fedorov, after his dismissal, expressed opposing claims. He argued that Syrsky hindered the work of the ministry, which saved about $100 million on tenders for artillery shell procurement and billions more on drone purchases.
"I encountered our initiatives simply being blocked. Syrsky turned out to be ready to weave intrigues, speak behind people's backs, and claim that someone had "ordered a campaign" against him," the ex-defense minister stated.
Volodymyr Zelensky, explaining the dismissal of both in 2026, said that the conflict arose due to interference in someone else's area of responsibility. When asked who exactly interfered, Syrsky did not answer and noted that the decision to dismiss was within the president's powers.