Mykhailo Fedorov, the former Ukrainian defense minister, recently shared in an exclusive interview with that his nation is poised to deploy domestically manufactured ballistic missiles against Russian targets within a three-to-six-month window. This development marks a significant shift in Ukraine’s military capabilities as it seeks to match the long-range offensive power currently utilized by Moscow.
Historically, Kyiv has depended heavily on cost-effective long-range drones and cruise missiles to conduct deep-strike operations inside Russian borders. While effective for specific missions, these existing platforms are often slower and more susceptible to interception by Russian air defense systems compared to the high-velocity ballistic technology now in development.
The strategic necessity for this upgrade is underscored by Russia’s persistent use of ballistic missiles against Ukrainian infrastructure. These weapons have proven difficult for Ukraine to neutralize, creating immense strain on the country’s defensive networks and necessitating a more robust, symmetric response capability.
A critical milestone occurred this past June when Fire Point, a prominent Ukrainian defense manufacturer, successfully conducted a test of a new ballistic missile. This successful trial provides the theoretical framework for Ukraine to finally retaliate against the frequent long-range barrage attacks that have plagued the nation throughout the conflict.
Fedorov, who oversaw the acceleration of the national ballistic missile program during his tenure, expressed confidence that the first operational launch into Russian territory will occur before the current year concludes. He emphasized the relentless pace of modern warfare, stating, “We need to defeat Russia in every technological cycle, and we have to make decisions 24/7,” while acknowledging that the adversary is also innovating at a rapid clip.
Before his departure from the ministry last month, the 35-year-old official was instrumental in crafting a strategy that prioritized robotics and drone warfare to neutralize the numerical superiority of Russian forces. His efforts were widely credited with shifting the momentum of the war, including a tenfold increase in deep-strike operations and a significant expansion of the domestic military-industrial base.
The political landscape surrounding his exit remains complex. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Fedorov in mid-July, citing an irreconcilable conflict between the minister and top general Oleksandr Syrskyi. This decision triggered widespread public protests, which Fedorov interpreted as a testament to the Ukrainian public’s commitment to democratic principles and their resolve to fight for national sovereignty.
Following the fallout, President Zelenskyy also removed General Syrskyi from his command position. When questioned about the specific circumstances of his own termination, Fedorov declined to provide details to an American audience, focusing instead on the broader mission: “Whatever the reason, it is important to understand that Ukraine will continue to fight.”
The efficacy of these new domestic weapons was highlighted early Saturday when President Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukrainian forces successfully struck a Russian space agency facility in Samara. Located approximately 560 miles from the border, the site was targeted using the newly developed Flamingo missile system.
As for his own future, the former tech entrepreneur remains non-committal regarding a potential return to public office. “Soon we will see,” Fedorov remarked. “But in any case, all my work will be aimed at ending the war and rebuilding Ukraine.”
Asked why he believes he was fired, Fedorov told, “I really don’t want to talk to the American audience about why.”
