Ousted Ukrainian defense minister to advise Italy’s defense minister

The 35-year-old Fedorov was ousted by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in July, leading to unusual street protests in Ukraine.

Zelenskyy said at an international press conference that he had offered Fedorov several high-ranking positions, but that he had declined.

The announcement on Friday from Fedorov that he would become “advisor to Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto” came as a surprise.

In this role, I will support Italy as it develops technology for modern warfare, said Fedorov, who said that he would not be leaving Kyiv.

Zelenskyy's presidential office has not commented on Fedorov's new role.