First 3 months: Mykhailo Fedorov spoke of the Ministry of Defense's "ailments" and sweeping changes

$38 billion, Starlink and the new air defense: what has really changed

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24 Apr 2026

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Ukraine’s Minister of Defense Mykhailo Fedorov summed up his first three months in office, reporting deep systemic problems that had gone unresolved for years, as well as the first steps to reform the defense sector.

According to him, the system was characterized by a lack of clear goals and accountability, a culture of fear and lies, as well as the presence of both corruption risks and significant human potential that had not previously been fully utilized.

The key task set by the President is the fastest possible transformation of the system to stop the enemy both in the air and on the ground, and to exhaust its economy.

Among the main results reported by the minister:

Starlink was disabled for Russians — this affected drone usage and the situation at the front.
An after action review was introduced — improving the effectiveness of responses to air attacks and the interception rate of targets.
A command of “small” air defense was created, and Pavlo Lazar was appointed deputy commander.
The “Ramstein” mechanism was updated — announced $38 billion in aid for 2026.
The Ministry of Defense structure and top management were relaunched — a new model from April 1.
Implemented real-time analysis of losses and combat effectiveness.
Purchases of drones and NRK have been moved to a data-driven approach without ‘manual’ requirement formation.
More drones and robotic platforms were purchased in one quarter than in the entire previous year.
The eBali system was updated — new categories were added, and 70% advance was introduced for manufacturers.
Mission Control was launched — real-time control of drone operations.
Record purchases of drones, NRK and mid-strike systems were made.
An audit of the defense-industrial complex was conducted — corruption schemes were stopped.
Recruitment reform is being prepared — 10 out of 30 projects are almost ready.
Large-scale purchases of pickups have begun — a tender is expected soon.
Construction of logistics tunnels has been accelerated — funding increased by 4 times.
Road reconstruction for military logistics has begun.
Reforms have been agreed in areas with high corruption risks.
Dozens of digital projects have been launched — from Reserve+ to SAP.
A contract for PAC missiles for the Patriot was signed with the support of Germany.
March became record-breaking for enemy losses — 36,000 Russian servicemen were killed.
The approach to deep operations has been revised — the procurement structure has been changed.
The “Drone Line” has been strengthened — units destroy every fourth target.
Funding has been provided to create new UAV regiments and the corps program has been expanded.
Funding for the most effective units has been increased.

According to Mykhailo Fedorov, some results cannot be made public, but the key problems have already been identified.

“Challenges and ailments that have not been treated for decades. A total absence of goals and accountability within the system. Many people who should be held accountable, on the one hand, and talents who simply need to be given the opportunity to work, on the other. A culture of fear and lies and at the same time heroism, technology, innovation and asymmetry.”