The appointment of former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov as an adviser to Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto on defense innovation has drawn criticism from Marco Travaglio, the editor-in-chief of an Italian newspaper.
Fedorov announced on Friday that he had taken up his role as Crosetto's adviser. In his article, Travaglio questioned the reasons behind Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Crosetto's choice, arguing that the position may be largely symbolic.
Debate over qualifications for the advisory role
Travaglio also challenged Crosetto's assessment of Fedorov's qualifications. The Italian editor argued that the appointment overlooked experts at universities in Italy.
The article also addressed the democratic nature of the Ukrainian administration and allegations of corruption in strongly worded criticism. These assessments reflected Travaglio's political criticism.
Fedorov's dismissal and call for elections
Volodymyr Zelensky, as president of Ukraine, dismissed Fedorov on July 14. The former minister's supporters organized demonstrations demanding his reinstatement.
Fedorov called for elections to be held in Ukraine on August 18. Travaglio's article also claimed that Zelensky's term in office ended in 2024, that he canceled the elections and that he had not set a new election date.