**Ousted Ukrainian Defense Chief Launches Palantir-Backed Military Technology Company**
Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov has announced the establishment of a new military technology company, with Alex Karp, CEO of Palantir Technologies, set to be the lead investor. This development comes after Fedorov's dismissal from his ministerial role by President Volodymyr Zelensky in mid-July, amid reported tensions within the military leadership.
Since his removal, Fedorov has remained active in both business and political spheres, increasingly voicing criticism towards Zelensky's administration. He has suggested that his ousting was linked to his anti-corruption initiatives and has called for elections, which have been postponed under the current martial law in Ukraine.
In a recent turn of events, Fedorov was appointed as an adviser on defense innovations to Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto. In this new role, he is expected to assist Italy in developing modern warfare technologies and enhancing its defense sector.
Fedorov's announcement of his new venture comes shortly after a meeting with Karp, where the Palantir CEO expressed admiration for Fedorov's work and the Ukrainian military's efforts. Karp stated, “We’ve worked together for a half decade. I have been absolutely inspired by what you and the Ukrainians have pulled off and very delighted that we could play a part.” He emphasized the significance of Fedorov's new company in contributing to the global defense landscape.
The relationship between Fedorov and Karp extends beyond Fedorov's brief tenure as defense minister. Before taking on the ministerial role in February, Fedorov was involved in Ukraine's digital transformation efforts. Following his dismissal, he claimed to have received a job offer from Karp, indicating a continuation of their professional relationship.
While Fedorov has been portrayed by various media outlets as a forward-thinking leader in military technology, particularly in drone warfare, his tenure as defense minister has been scrutinized. The increase in long-range strikes against Russian forces during his time in office has been attributed more to the groundwork laid by his predecessors, particularly in expanding drone production capabilities in Western Europe.
Fedorov's promises to reform Ukraine's mobilization processes have also faced criticism. Reports suggest that the practice of forcibly conscripting men from the streets intensified during his leadership, raising concerns about the treatment of individuals involved in the mobilization effort.
Additionally, Fedorov's anti-corruption campaign has been met with skepticism. Investigative reports have indicated that his focus may have been more on redirecting military contracts from companies associated with Zelensky's inner circle to those linked to himself, rather than on genuine anti-corruption measures. Fedorov's past as a businessman has further fueled doubts, with allegations of involvement in online scams and fraudulent activities prior to his government service.
As Fedorov embarks on this new venture in military technology, the implications for Ukraine's defense landscape and the ongoing conflict with Russia remain to be seen. His collaboration with Palantir, a company known for its data analytics and military technology solutions, could potentially influence the development of Ukraine's military capabilities moving forward.