Ukraine’s ousted defense chief rejected Zelensky’s job offer.

In a statement to reporters on Thursday, Fedorov said his team “had a specific plan on how to end the war” when he was appointed defense minister in January.

He said the main things are the defense of the skies, the stability of the frontline and also attacks on the Russian economy.

“For six months, we have implemented this plan consistently. For the first time in recent years, Ukraine has begun to take the initiative (on the battlefield).

Our joint results have created something unprecedented – a window of opportunity to force Russia to peace. And we can’t afford to lose him.

He stated that he was not looking for any “post or rank”, but only to have “the opportunity to really influence the outcome and bring Ukraine’s victory closer”.

Fedorov was replaced by Yevhenii Khmara, formerly a senior official of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).

Zelensky, who met with Fedorov earlier this week, announced that he had given him the position of deputy prime minister for military innovation.

“This is a very important role, because innovation must be coordinated with the leadership of the Ministry of Defense, the commander-in-chief … and the president,” the president said on Thursday.

But Fedorov refused. His statement does not mean that negotiations on him have been concluded in the future.

“It is not appropriate to reveal details at this stage,” presidential adviser Dmytro Litvin said as discussions continued.