Italy has appointed Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s former defense minister and a key figure behind the country’s drone warfare efforts, as an adviser to its defense minister on modern military strategy. The announcement, made by Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto on Friday, underscores the ongoing influence of technological innovation emerging from the conflict in Ukraine on global military practices.
Fedorov’s advisory role comes just weeks after his dismissal from Ukraine’s defense ministry, where he had pushed for rapid modernization of the armed forces, particularly in integrating unmanned systems. His tenure was marked by tensions with senior military leaders, including Ukraine’s top general, Oleksandr Syrskyi, over efforts to reduce reliance on conscription and increase the use of automated technology. President Volodymyr Zelensky removed Fedorov in July to resolve these internal disputes and amid perceptions of Fedorov’s rising political prominence.
Though the advisory arrangement is a personal agreement between Crosetto and Fedorov rather than a formal government-to-government contract, it reflects Italy’s interest in adapting its military to emerging security challenges. According to the Italian defense ministry, Fedorov, who is the first non-Italian adviser in Crosetto’s team, will provide his expertise without compensation. Italy’s prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, has not publicly commented on the appointment.
Fedorov, 35, gained recognition for modernizing Ukraine’s defense sector as minister of digital transformation before assuming the defense portfolio in January. Despite the firing, Fedorov’s team said he will remain based in Ukraine and continue efforts to support his homeland, emphasizing that the advisory role does not involve sharing classified or sensitive technological information.
Reactions within Italy have been mixed. Some voices from across the political spectrum have expressed skepticism about continuing robust support for Ukraine. Far-right figure and former general Roberto Vannacci warned that Italy’s interests should remain the priority, while Marco Travaglio, editor of an anti-establishment paper, criticized the choice of an adviser from “one of the most failed, poorly governed, and corrupt countries in Europe.” Conversely, more centrist commentators have welcomed the move, citing Fedorov’s international stature and experience as major assets.
Defense analysts in Italy noted the potential value of Fedorov’s firsthand experience with rapid military innovation under wartime conditions. Alessandro Marrone of the Institute of International Affairs described Ukraine as “a tragic laboratory of innovation,” suggesting Italy could benefit from insights gained on the front lines. Similarly, former Italian Army chief of staff Lt. Gen. Pietro Serino voiced hope that Fedorov’s presence might expedite modernization efforts, including streamlining the lengthy process for approving drone use in the Italian military.
However, experts also caution about the extent of concrete technological or strategic knowledge Fedorov can share, given security restrictions. Gregory Alegi, a historian at Luiss Guido Carli University, noted the uncertainty surrounding whether Fedorov’s input will be limited to general perspectives or include detailed operational information.
As Italy seeks to navigate the evolving global security environment, the collaboration with Fedorov may represent a significant, albeit unconventional, step toward modernizing its defense capabilities.