Fedorov announced his new position after a meeting with Crosetto in Rome. According to him, the parties discussed drones, autonomous systems, air defense, and the development of the military-technical industry. “I expressed my gratitude to Guido for his personal support and for the offer to work as his advisor on defense innovations,” Fedorov said. In his new role, he intends to assist Italy in implementing modern military developments, strengthening the defense industry, and adapting to new security challenges. ### Italy is interested in Ukrainian experience The appointment was also confirmed by Guido Crosetto. The Italian minister noted Fedorov's significant experience in digital technologies applied in public administration and defense. According to Crosetto, the rapid development of technologies forces armies not only to keep track of new developments but also to study the practical experience of those who have already used them in combat conditions. “In a situation of rapid and unprecedented transformations, where changes become a constant, it is extremely important to seek opportunities for dialogue and exchange of experience,” the minister stated. Crosetto emphasized that today it is not enough to simply possess advanced technologies. It is necessary to restructure organizational processes so that experimental developments can be quickly turned into ready-made solutions for mass application. ### From digitalization to military technologies Mikhail Fedorov, born in 1991, has become one of the key figures in Ukraine's digital transformation. Before joining the government, he worked in the tech sector, then served as the Minister of Digital Transformation, and later headed the Ministry of Defense. After the onset of the full-scale Russian invasion, Ukraine significantly accelerated the implementation of new technologies in the military sphere. Drones, digital communication systems, software, artificial intelligence, data collection, and analysis have become an important part of its defense system. Fedorov was one of the participants in this transformation when Ukraine had to rapidly implement new solutions to counter the Russian army. In July 2026, he left the post of Minister of Defense as part of personnel changes. Now, the experience accumulated by Ukraine is planned to be used in Italy — primarily to accelerate the implementation of drone, digital, and other modern defense technologies.
