Italy's Support for Ukraine
Italian Defense Minister Crosetto Offers Key Ukrainian Innovator Advisory Role After Dismissal
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Key Points
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Crosetto says he called Fedorov the day after his dismissal and asked: 'When do you want to come to Rome and work with me as an adviser?'
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Fedorov described the gesture as a sign of respect and friendship, with Crosetto hailing him as a driving force of military innovation who 'completely rewrote the rules of the game on the battlefield.'
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Crosetto signaled further arms deliveries to Ukraine as part of Italy's ongoing support for Kyiv's defense reform and battlefield modernization.
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Crosetto is a leading figure in Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's Brothers of Italy party, underscoring Italy's continued, high-level political backing for Ukraine.
Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto called former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov the day after his dismissal and asked: "When do you want to come to Rome and work with me as an adviser?" Reuters reported the offer, which Fedorov described as a sign of respect and friendship.
Fedorov was removed from Ukraine's government earlier this year. He was widely credited with boosting Ukraine's drone warfare capabilities and reshaping battlefield tactics with new technology, according to Reuters.
Crosetto Calls Fedorov a Battlefield Game-Changer
Crosetto praised Fedorov in strong terms. He said Fedorov "completely rewrote the rules of the game on the battlefield." Crosetto called him a driving force of military innovation who helped Ukraine first resist Russia's invasion, then regain the initiative. Reuters reported Crosetto made the remarks in an interview with La Repubblica.
Crosetto is a senior figure in Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's Brothers of Italy party. His outreach signals that Italy's backing for Kyiv remains strong at the highest political levels. He also signaled further arms deliveries to Ukraine as part of Rome's ongoing support for Kyiv's defense modernization, according to hot96.com.
Fedorov Turned Down a Deputy Prime Minister Role
Before his dismissal, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky offered Fedorov the post of Deputy Prime Minister for Military Innovations. Fedorov declined. He said only the top jobs — president, defense minister, or commander-in-chief — give a person the mandate needed to push through real reforms during wartime, according to bradenton.com.
His refusal shows how seriously Fedorov views the challenge of driving change inside a military at war. He did not believe a deputy role carried enough authority to get the job done.
Fedorov's Dismissal Came Amid a Wider Military Shake-Up
Fedorov's removal was part of a broader reshuffling of Ukraine's military leadership. Army chief Syrskyi was also removed following Fedorov's departure, according to wiky.com. The dismissals triggered protests inside Ukraine.
Fedorov had been one of the most visible faces of Ukraine's tech-driven war effort. He pushed hard for drones, digital tools, and modern battlefield systems. His exit left a gap in Ukraine's drive to modernize its armed forces, according to wkzo.com.
Italy Deepens Ties With Ukraine on Defense Innovation
Crosetto's offer is more than a personal gesture. It reflects Italy's push to stay closely tied to Ukraine's defense reform agenda. Rome has backed Kyiv with weapons and political support since Russia's full-scale invasion began in 2022, according to Reuters.
Bringing Fedorov to Rome as an adviser would give Italy direct access to one of the architects of modern drone warfare. It would also keep Fedorov's expertise in the Western orbit at a critical moment in the conflict.
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