Kim described Fedorov as a driving force for change and stated that his resignation was not linked to his popularity
- Julia LukyanenkoReporter
Vitalii Kim, former head of the Mykolaiv Regional State Administration and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, has commented on Mykhailo Fedorov’s resignation. Photo: NikVestiVitalii Kim, former head of the Mykolaiv Regional State Administration and the new head of the Ministry of Veterans’ Affairs, described former Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov as a driving force for change. According to him, the minister’s resignation is not linked to his popularity, but rather stems from a difficult decision.
Vitalii Kim spoke about this today, 18 July, during his final press conference, as reported by NikVesti.
Journalists asked questions about the rallies in support of the former head of the Ministry of Defence, Mykhailo Fedorov.
«We worked with Mykhailo Fedorov. I consider him a very capable professional. I have no problem with the rallies. It is people’s right to defend their point of view. But the public aspect and the practical aspect sometimes differ. These are very difficult decisions between the bad and the very bad. Therefore, I will not comment on this in a top-down manner. Everyone knows our stance and what we want to achieve in terms of change in our country. Mykhailo Fedorov is a driver of change,» replied Vitalii Kim.
Journalists also asked whether Vitalii Kim, like Mykhailo Fedorov, would be prepared, should difficulties arise in his role at the ministry, to speak publicly about them and name the people involved.
«I’ve actually seen excerpts from Fedorov’s interviews. His style at press conferences and briefings is very similar to mine, due to the way we work,» replied the minister.
NikVesti also asked Vitalii Kim for his opinion on whether he felt at risk of losing his post in the new government as his popularity and public support grew, as had happened to Mykhailo Fedorov. The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs expressed the view that Mykhailo Fedorov’s resignation was not linked to his popularity.
«In my personal opinion, this has nothing to do with Fedorov’s popularity. In fact, I know a little more about the conflict and the difficult choice involved. And this relates to the potential loss of territory and the harsh, unpleasant reality of a soldier’s military life. That is to say, those 90 or so soldiers who are on the front line in the infantry, defending the position. Nobody has denied their effectiveness. According to Pareto’s principle, 20 per cent account for 80 per cent of the whole effort. Nevertheless, managing our 20 per cent of personnel is a complex process. In other words, I’m certain this has nothing to do with popularity. I simply know the history of this conflict and how hard people have tried to resolve it. And I cannot express my point of view on this matter, as it could jeopardise our defence efforts,» said Vitalii Kim.
He explained under what circumstances he would be prepared to give up his post.
«As for me, I am prepared to give up my posts if I can do so in order to increase my potential to serve the state. I really do have the ambition to make a difference,» added Vitalii Kim.
It should be recalled that on 18 July, Vitalii Kim held his final briefing as head of the Mykolaiv Regional State Administration.
It should be recalled that on 16 July, the Verkhovna Rada appointed Vitalii Kim as Minister for Veterans’ Affairs. Prior to this, he had headed the Mykolaiv Regional State Administration since November 2020. Heorhii Reshetilov became acting head of the Mykolaiv Regional State Administration.
The following day, in a video address to the people of Mykolaiv, he promised to champion the interests of the Mykolaiv region in the state budget.
During a briefing on 18 July, the newly appointed Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Vitalii Kim, also stated that following his move from the post of head of the Mykolaiv Regional State Administration, he would continue to support the regionand work on the ‘South 2.0’ economic strategy.
He also explained how he had received the offer to head the ministry. He said he had turned down posts in other ministries. He described the Ministry of Veterans’ Affairs as challenging, but added that he enjoys tackling difficult tasks.
Former Head of the Mykolaiv Regional State Administration and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Vitalii Kim commented on Mykhailo Fedorov’s resignation. Photo: NikVesti
NikVesti journalist Oleh Dereniuha. Photo: NikVesti
Vitalii Kim, former head of the Mykolaiv Regional State Administration and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, commented on Mykhailo Fedorov’s resignation. Photo: NikVesti
Deputy Head of the Mykolaiv Regional State Administration, Mykola Marinov. Photo: NikVesti
Vitalii Kim, former head of the Mykolaiv Regional State Administration and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, commented on Mykhailo Fedorov’s resignation. Photo: NikVesti
Vitalii Kim, former head of the Mykolaiv Regional State Administration and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, commented on Mykhailo Fedorov’s resignation. Photo: NikVestiAs a reminder, on 16 July at around 10:00, a rally featuring cardboard placards took place in Mykolaiv, attended by approximately 30 people. The protesters held signs reading «Vova, we have questions», «You’re fighting the wrong war» and «My love, we’re killing innovation». The protest was sparked by the dismissal of Mykhailo Fedorov from his post as Minister of Digital Transformation.
The former defence minister held a briefing in which he spoke of a conflict with the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi.
He also stated that, thanks to open tenders, the Ministry of Defence had saved around $100 million on the procurement of artillery shells and billions more on the procurement of drones.
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