Kathmandu— Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has for the first time publicly described a growing rift with his recently dismissed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, detailing disagreements over political actions including calls for an election and involvement in mass protests. In a two-hour meeting with reporters on Saturday – the transcript of which was released Sunday – Zelenskyy also alluded to problematic decisions regarding defense spending and inaccurate information provided by the ministry that contributed to a diplomatic issue involving U.S. President Donald Trump and Starlink access. The Ukrainian leader highlighted battlefield gains while acknowledging critical shortages in vital air-defense systems.

Dismissal and Political Fallout

Zelenskyy expressed continued positive regard for Fedorov, noting their shared history, but stated his belief that the former minister was pursuing misguided paths. He revealed he offered Fedorov four alternative government positions, all of which were declined. Zelenskyy strongly opposed calls for an election during wartime, warning it would be a destabilizing “tsunami” that could fracture Ukraine and stating no partners had presented a viable plan to hold a safe and democratic poll under current circumstances.

Starlink Controversy and White House Encounter

Zelenskyy connected Fedorov’s tenure at the Defense Ministry to an awkward exchange with former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service. He explained that he was initially informed by the ministry that SpaceX had agreed to allow Ukraine to use Starlink over Russian territory for deep strikes, pending political approval. Zelenskyy said he raised this with Trump, who was later told by Elon Musk that the proposal was rejected and accused of being misled. “He said that I had supposedly deceived him,” Zelenskyy recounted, explaining he subsequently verified the information with his ministry.

Defense Spending and Missile Shortages

The Ukrainian president highlighted significant financial pressures on Ukraine’s defense efforts, revealing a $27 billion budget shortfall due to earlier spending decisions. He also addressed a recent corruption inquiry, stating that anti-corruption investigators have found no evidence of his involvement. Zelenskyy expressed serious concern over dwindling supplies of Patriot air-defense missiles, noting deliveries from Western allies have declined in the past three years despite intensified Russian missile attacks. He stated Ukraine received 675 Patriot missiles in 2023, but expects only 264 this year and hopes to secure an additional 300 for the winter.

Battlefield Updates and Future Operations

Despite ongoing challenges, Zelenskyy offered an optimistic assessment of the battlefield situation. He announced that Ukrainian forces have almost completely recaptured the Dnipropetrovsk region, with only approximately four square miles remaining under Russian control. Another operation is underway, with results anticipated by the end of August. Zelenskyy predicted Ukraine could achieve parity in territory occupied and retaken by year’s end, estimating Russia has seized 380 square miles this year while Ukraine has reclaimed 315.

Leaders from Nordic and Baltic nations visited Kyiv on Sunday to demonstrate solidarity ahead of Ukraine's Independence Day and a larger meeting of supporting countries. Ongoing drone attacks continue to impact both Ukrainian and Russian territory.

(With inputs from AP)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.