NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedAugust 24, 2026Miami-Dade
President Zelenskyy details reasons for dismissing Defense Minister Fedorov and outlines defense budget challenges
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly addressed the dismissal of former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, citing concerns over his political activities and inaccurate information provided to the administration. Zelenskyy also disclosed a $27 billion defense budget shortfall and highlighted critical shortages in Patriot air-defense missile supplies.
Read the full story at WPLG Local 10 – Main FeedWhy It Matters
The disclosure of a $27 billion defense budget deficit and declining Patriot missile deliveries directly impacts Ukraine's ability to sustain military operations and defend against Russian ballistic attacks in the coming winter.
Key Facts
- Ukraine faces a $27 billion defense budget shortfall due to spending funds intended for the second half of the year earlier in 2025.
- Patriot missile deliveries have declined: 675 in 2023, 364 in 2025, and an expected 264 this year.
- Ukraine is seeking 300 additional Patriot missiles for the coming winter, while the air force requested 360.
- Russia has occupied 990 square kilometers (380 square miles) since the start of the year.
- Ukraine has retaken 820 square kilometers (315 square miles) since the start of the year.
- President Zelenskyy dismissed Mykhailo Fedorov last month following internal disputes and concerns over his political activities.
- Zelenskyy stated that holding elections during the war would pose enormous risks and potentially split the country.
- The Defense Ministry provided inaccurate information regarding Starlink usage, leading to an awkward encounter between Zelenskyy and President Trump.
- Russia's current ballistic missile production capacity is 600 per year, with potential to reach 1,300.
- Ukrainian forces have recaptured most of the Dnipropetrovsk region, with 10 square kilometers remaining under Russian control.