---
title: "Zelenskyy says Fedorov's actions misguided, cites defense spending issues"
publication: "MediaBias News"
url: "https://mediabias.news/politics/zelenskyy-says-fedorovs-actions-misguided-cites-defense-spending-issues"
api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/zelenskyy-says-fedorovs-actions-misguided-cites-defense-spending-issues"
markdown: "https://mediabias.news/politics/zelenskyy-says-fedorovs-actions-misguided-cites-defense-spending-issues.md"
audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/zelenskyy-says-fedorovs-actions-misguided-cites-defense-spending-issues"
category: "Politics"
area: "Ukraine"
published: "2026-08-23T15:25:19.991Z"
source_reported: "2026-08-23T14:28:30.000Z"
updated: "2026-08-23T15:25:19.991Z"
trust_score: 42
critic_score: 61
hype_score: 20
assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis"
fact_check_status: "not-performed"
coverage_measured: "2026-08-23T16:13:08.831Z"
---

# Zelenskyy says Fedorov's actions misguided, cites defense spending issues

*Ukrainian president details dispute with former minister, mentions Starlink row and missile shortages.*

**Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): 

- Trust 42 of 100, higher is better. Two full reports and 23 digests provide corroboration, with claims attributed to Zelenskyy.
- Craft 61 of 100, higher is better. Reporting is clear and coherent, with context provided and affected parties quoted or given right of reply.
- Hype 20 of 100, lower is better. Language is measured and proportionate, with no sensationalism or clickbait.

Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology.

**The short version**

- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that actions by dismissed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, including involvement in protests and calls for elections, were misguided.
- Zelenskyy alluded to problematic defense spending decisions and inaccurate information from the Defense Ministry that contributed to an awkward encounter with U.S. President Donald Trump over Starlink.
- The president disclosed figures showing a shortage of Patriot air-defense missiles, with declining deliveries from Western allies.
- Ukrainian forces have almost completely recaptured the Dnipropetrovsk region, with about 10 square kilometers remaining under Russian control.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly detailed his dispute with dismissed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, stating that some of Fedorov's actions were misguided. Zelenskyy made these remarks during a two-hour meeting with reporters, the transcript of which was released on Sunday. He also alluded to problematic defense spending decisions and inaccurate information provided by the Defense Ministry, which he said contributed to an awkward encounter with U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Starlink.

Zelenskyy disclosed figures indicating a growing shortage of Patriot air-defense missiles, noting that deliveries from Western allies have declined over the past three years. Despite these challenges, he highlighted battlefield gains, stating that Ukrainian forces have almost completely recaptured the Dnipropetrovsk region, with approximately 10 square kilometers still under Russian control.

## Disagreement on Fedorov's role in Starlink incident

Washington Top News and Associated Press reported that Zelenskyy alluded to problematic decisions over defense spending and inaccurate information from the Defense Ministry contributing to an awkward encounter with U.S. President Donald Trump over Starlink. The Washington Top News report states Zelenskyy said the Defense Ministry had told him SpaceX had agreed to allow Starlink use over Russian territory for deep strike operations, which he then discussed with Trump. Later, Trump told Zelenskyy that Musk had rejected the proposal. Zelenskyy recounted that when he returned to the Ministry of Defense, they said "maybe it was so." The Associated Press report states Zelenskyy did not explicitly accuse Fedorov of lying but said the episode was among the reasons behind "some of the steps."

## Omissions in coverage

None of the right-rated digests mention the $27 billion budget shortfall the Defense Ministry faced, as reported by Washington Top News and Associated Press. None of the right-rated digests mention Zelenskyy's statement that he offered Fedorov four different options to continue working in government, all of which Fedorov rejected, as reported by Washington Top News and Associated Press.

## Who covered it

Shares of the 33 covering outlets with a published leaning rating:

- Left: 42% (14)
- Centre: 46% (15)
- Right: 12% (4)

1 of 34 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-08-23T16:13:08.831Z.

**Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 3 times; 0 checks found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-08-23T16:15:12.395Z.

## How the sides framed it

### Left

- Thirteen left-rated reports carried the core details of President Zelenskyy's dispute with dismissed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, including that Zelenskyy considered Fedorov's actions regarding protests and calls for elections to be misguided. These reports also mentioned Zelenskyy's allusions to problematic defense spending and inaccurate information from the Defense Ministry that led to an awkward encounter with U.S. President Donald Trump over Starlink. The shortage of Patriot air-defense missiles and declining Western deliveries were also noted. Associated Press, a full report, stated Zelenskyy believes Fedorov "goes, or is pushed, into the wrong things." The Associated Press also reported Zelenskyy's view that holding elections during wartime would pose enormous risks and could "split Ukraine apart."

### Centre

- Nine centre-rated reports focused on President Zelenskyy's public comments regarding his dispute with dismissed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, stating that Zelenskyy believed Fedorov's actions, including involvement in protests and calls for elections, were misguided. These reports also included Zelenskyy's mention of problematic defense spending decisions and inaccurate information from the Defense Ministry that contributed to an awkward encounter with U.S. President Donald Trump over Starlink. The shortage of Patriot air-defense missiles and declining Western deliveries were also covered. Washington Top News, a full report, stated Zelenskyy alluded to problematic decisions over defense spending and said inaccurate information provided by the Defense Ministry contributed to an awkward encounter with U.S. President Donald Trump over the use of Starlink in Russia.

### Right

- Three right-rated reports highlighted President Zelenskyy's public description of his split with dismissed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, noting that Zelenskyy considered Fedorov's actions misguided. These reports also mentioned a Starlink-related clash with Donald Trump and a shortage of Patriot air-defense missiles. India Today's digest stated Zelenskyy's remarks highlighted mounting pressure on Ukraine's war effort, from missiles and money to battlefield diplomacy. Times of India's digest mentioned that Ukraine faces a significant shortage of Patriot air-defense missiles amid rising Russian attacks.

**Provisional coverage gap:** right. The watch is not closed, so this is not yet a settled blindspot finding.

## Factuality profile of the covering outlets

These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true.

- mixed: 3
- high: 18
- unknown: 5
- veryHigh: 8

## Verification scope

This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true.

## Original reporting this was written from

- [The Globe & Mail](https://theglobeandmail.com/world/article-zelensky-fedorov-ukraine-russia-war) — Zelensky speaks out about dismissed defence minister for first time
- [Reflector](https://reflector.com/news/national/zelenskyy-details-rift-with-dismissed-defense-minister-saying-some-of-his-actions-were-misguided/article_84169ffa-2937-58f4-b102-36d217d3c8e1.html) — Zelenskyy details rift with dismissed defense minister, saying some of his actions were misguided
- [Herald Bulletin](https://heraldbulletin.com/news/nation_world/zelenskyy-details-rift-with-dismissed-defense-minister-saying-some-of-his-actions-were-misguided/article_56f141ab-6f75-553a-8835-90d423334922.html) — Zelenskyy details rift with dismissed defense minister, saying some of his actions were misguided
- [mykxlg.com](https://mykxlg.com/news/world/zelenskyy-details-rift-with-dismissed-defense-minister-saying-some-of-his-actions-were-misguided/article_cdeb44d0-653c-5cea-adb6-b24fcd62f8b3.html) — Zelenskyy details rift with dismissed defense minister, saying some of his actions were misguided
- [SooLeader.com](https://sooleader.com/michigan-news-ap/zelenskyy-details-rift-with-dismissed-defense-minister-saying-some-of-his-actions-were-misguided-12696842) — Zelenskyy details rift with dismissed defense minister, saying some of his actions were misguided
- [Manila Bulletin](https://mb.com.ph/article/10932527/world/zelenskyy-details-rift-with-dismissed-defense-minister-saying-some-of-his-actions-were-misguided) — Zelenskyy details rift with dismissed defense minister, saying some of his actions were misguided
- [The Korea Times](https://koreatimes.co.kr/world/20260823/zelenskyy-details-rift-with-dismissed-defense-minister-saying-some-of-his-actions-were-misguided) — Zelenskyy details rift with dismissed defense minister, saying some of his actions were misguided
- [cedarnews.net](https://cedarnews.net/newstasks/947724/zelenskyy-details-rift-dismissed-defense-minister-saying) — Zelenskyy details rift with dismissed defense minister, saying some of his actions were misguided
- [My Mother Lode](https://mymotherlode.com/news/east-europe/11087593/zelenskyy-details-rift-with-dismissed-defense-minister-saying-some-of-his-actions-were-misguided.html) — Zelenskyy details rift with dismissed defense minister, saying some of his actions were misguided
- [Ottumwa Courier](https://ottumwacourier.com/news/national_news/zelenskyy-details-rift-with-dismissed-defense-minister-saying-some-of-his-actions-were-misguided/article_fbe12554-d654-5b3a-a386-249ef06e705d.html) — Zelenskyy details rift with dismissed defense minister, saying some of his actions were misguided
- [Joplin Globe](https://joplinglobe.com/region/zelenskyy-details-rift-with-dismissed-defense-minister-saying-some-of-his-actions-were-misguided/article_3234fb74-bb8d-55f2-8826-363ed16d4603.html) — Zelenskyy details rift with dismissed defense minister, saying some of his actions were misguided
- [Daily Record](https://dailyrecordnews.com/ap_news/international/zelenskyy-details-rift-with-dismissed-defense-minister-saying-some-of-his-actions-were-misguided/article_fd758904-24a7-5aad-9d0f-70cddb17a04d.html) — Zelenskyy details rift with dismissed defense minister, saying some of his actions were misguided
- [Goshen News](https://goshennews.com/news/national_news/zelenskyy-details-rift-with-dismissed-defense-minister-saying-some-of-his-actions-were-misguided/article_786445ee-86ca-5da4-b334-9c2ade2555fb.html) — Zelenskyy details rift with dismissed defense minister, saying some of his actions were misguided
- [India Today](https://indiatoday.in/world/story/zelenskyy-fedorov-dispute-starlink-row-patriot-missile-shortage-ptag-2977983-2026-08-23) — Zelenskyy details Fedorov fallout amid Starlink row and Patriot shortage
- [Independent Español](https://independentespanol.com/noticias/mundo/europa/zelenskyy-detalla-ruptura-con-el-destituido-ministro-de-defensa-b3037717.html) — Zelenskyy Details Breakup with the Deposed Defense Minister
- [Times of India](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/zelenskyy-details-rift-with-dismissed-defense-minister-saying-some-of-his-actions-were-misguided/articleshow/133437472.cms) — Zelenskyy details rift with dismissed defense minister, saying some of his actions were misguided
- [Dnevni list Danas](https://danas.rs/bbc-news-serbian/zelenski-treba-da-odgovori-na-pitanja-o-korupciji-u-njegovoj-vladi-kaze-smenjeni-ministar-za-bbc) — Zelenskiy Should "Answer Questions" About Corruption in His Government, the Dismissed Minister Told the BBC
- [Washington Top News](https://wtop.com/russia-ukraine-war-news/2026/08/zelenskyy-details-rift-with-dismissed-defense-minister-saying-some-of-his-actions-were-misguided) — Zelenskyy details rift with dismissed defense minister, saying some of his actions were misguided
- [The Toronto Star](https://thestar.com/news/world/europe/zelenskyy-details-rift-with-dismissed-defense-minister-saying-some-of-his-actions-were-misguided/article_065b05f3-5683-5701-b2fc-cc49ace16eed.html) — Zelenskyy details rift with dismissed defense minister, saying some of his actions were misguided
- [The Seattle Times](https://seattletimes.com/nation-world/world/zelenskyy-details-rift-with-dismissed-defense-minister-saying-some-of-his-actions-were-misguided) — Zelenskyy details rift with dismissed defense minister, saying some of his actions were misguided
- [WBAL](https://wbal.com/zelenskyy-details-rift-with-dismissed-defense-minister-saying-some-of-his-actions-were-misguided) — Zelenskyy details rift with dismissed defense minister, saying some of
- [Associated Press News](https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-zelenskyy-fedorov-15d84a5a1f52e376ffdf98082cdf9712) — Zelenskyy details rift with dismissed defense minister, saying some of his actions were misguided
- [Cecil Daily](https://cecildaily.com/ap/world/zelenskyy-details-rift-with-dismissed-defense-minister-saying-some-of-his-actions-were-misguided/article_9a4e99a6-da5e-56a8-8203-5406c909c3cc.html) — Zelenskyy details rift with dismissed defense minister, saying some of his actions were misguided
- [Oskaloosa Herald](https://oskaloosa.com/news/national_news/zelenskyy-details-rift-with-dismissed-defense-minister-saying-some-of-his-actions-were-misguided/article_97d8af35-4a4b-549e-ab37-d266dfa71dbc.html) — Zelenskyy details rift with dismissed defense minister, saying some of his actions were misguided
- [The Messenger](https://the-messenger.com/news/world/article_f7f6b4c9-673c-5d90-a439-43ea8063a513.html) — Zelenskyy details rift with dismissed defense minister, saying some of his actions were misguided
- [Leader-Telegram](https://leadertelegram.com/elections/zelenskyy-details-rift-with-dismissed-defense-minister-saying-some-of-his-actions-were-misguided/article_f837ba4d-398b-53b5-9ec6-3ad422a57ef8.html) — Zelenskyy details rift with dismissed defense minister, saying some of his actions were misguided
- [Mid Florida Newspapers](https://midfloridanewspapers.com/ap/zelenskyy-details-rift-with-dismissed-defense-minister-saying-some-of-his-actions-were-misguided/article_daf13073-00e0-56c0-bcc1-918485e25bab.html) — Zelenskyy details rift with dismissed defense minister, saying some of his actions were misguided
- [Madison Courier](https://madisoncourier.com/ap/news/zelenskyy-details-rift-with-dismissed-defense-minister-saying-some-of-his-actions-were-misguided/article_3e1e0908-e65a-53e9-b93e-0b0306728d41.html) — Zelenskyy details rift with dismissed defense minister, saying some of his actions were misguided
- [Bozeman Daily Chronicle](https://bozemandailychronicle.com/wire/international/zelenskyy-details-rift-with-dismissed-defense-minister-saying-some-of-his-actions-were-misguided/article_3d7262db-464d-5e11-843c-7cf0460b3477.html) — Zelenskyy details rift with dismissed defense minister, saying some of his actions were misguided
- [WKMG](https://clickorlando.com/news/world/2026/08/23/zelenskyy-details-rift-with-dismissed-defense-minister-saying-some-of-his-actions-were-misguided) — Zelenskyy details rift with dismissed defense minister, saying some of his actions were misguided
- [The Hamilton Spectator](https://thespec.com/news/world/europe/zelenskyy-details-rift-with-dismissed-defense-minister-saying-some-of-his-actions-were-misguided/article_7a0139d5-89ce-529c-b031-2d182bcdf650.html) — Zelenskyy details rift with dismissed defense minister, saying some of his actions were misguided
- [The Record](https://therecord.com/news/world/europe/zelenskyy-details-rift-with-dismissed-defense-minister-saying-some-of-his-actions-were-misguided/article_a54fa491-ee42-50b7-8d6c-996b901a09bf.html) — Zelenskyy details rift with dismissed defense minister, saying some of his actions were misguided
- [Durango Herald](https://durangoherald.com/articles/associated-press/zelenskyy-details-rift-with-dismissed-defense-minister-saying-some-of-his-actions-were-misguided) — Zelenskyy details rift with dismissed defense minister, saying some of his actions were misguided
- [Winnipeg Free Press](https://winnipegfreepress.com/world/2026/08/23/zelenskyy-details-rift-with-dismissed-defense-minister-saying-some-of-his-actions-were-misguided) — Zelenskyy details rift with dismissed defense minister, saying some of his actions were misguided

## Questions

**Why did President Zelenskyy say former minister Fedorov's actions were misguided?**

President Zelenskyy stated that actions taken by dismissed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, including his involvement in mass protests and calls for elections, were misguided. He also alluded to problematic defense spending decisions and inaccurate information from the Defense Ministry.

**What did Zelenskyy say about the Starlink incident with Donald Trump?**

Zelenskyy alluded to inaccurate information from the Defense Ministry that contributed to an awkward encounter with U.S. President Donald Trump over Starlink. He stated the ministry had told him SpaceX agreed to allow Starlink use over Russian territory, a claim later denied by Elon Musk, according to Trump.

**What is the status of Ukraine's Patriot missile supply?**

President Zelenskyy disclosed figures showing a shortage of Patriot air-defense missiles needed to counter Russian ballistic attacks. He noted that deliveries from Western allies have been declining over the past three years.

**What battlefield gains did Zelenskyy report?**

Zelenskyy highlighted battlefield gains, stating that Ukrainian forces have almost completely recaptured the Dnipropetrovsk region. Approximately 10 square kilometers and three small villages in the region remained under Russian control.

---

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