KYIV, Ukraine – In a stark parliamentary address on Wednesday, Ukraine’s newly appointed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov revealed profound systemic challenges plaguing the nation’s military apparatus as it confronts Russia’s sustained invasion. The 34-year-old tech reformer outlined a crisis encompassing massive troop desertions, widespread draft evasion, and critical funding shortages.
Fedorov reported an alarming 200,000 desertions from military ranks alongside approximately 2 million instances of draft-dodging, creating severe manpower complications. He attributed these issues to deeply entrenched bureaucratic inefficiencies, outdated Soviet-era management methodologies, and significant logistical disruptions in supplying equipment across the 1,000-kilometer frontline.
“Our strategic imperative demands we cannot wage modern warfare with emerging technologies while constrained by archaic organizational structures,” Fedorov asserted during his presentation to lawmakers.
The minister disclosed a staggering budget shortfall of 300 billion hryvnia (approximately $6.9 billion), necessitating urgent international financial intervention. This funding crisis emerges as the European Union announces a substantial new loan program specifically designed to bolster Ukraine’s military capabilities and economic resilience over the coming two years, according to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Despite these challenges, Fedorov highlighted remarkable advancements in Ukraine’s defense sector since Russia’s full-scale invasion commenced in February 2022. The nation’s defense manufacturing ecosystem has undergone explosive growth, expanding from merely seven private drone companies and two electronic warfare firms to nearly 500 drone manufacturers and approximately 200 electronic warfare specialists today. Entirely new industries have emerged, including about 20 private missile producers and over 100 companies developing ground-based robotic systems.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed Fedorov, previously celebrated for his digital transformation initiatives and drone technology advancements, as part of a comprehensive government restructuring aimed at enhancing security, defense innovation, and diplomatic efforts during this critical phase of conflict.