Mykhailo Fedorov, the former Ukrainian defense minister, told CBS News that Ukraine is engaged in a technological war
with Russia, citing rapid innovation in drones and missiles as critical to the conflict. His remarks come amid Ukraine’s strikes on Russian oil tankers and international efforts to bolster Kyiv’s military capacity.
Mykhailo Fedorov, the former Ukrainian defense minister, described the war with Russia as a technological war
in an exclusive interview with CBS News, emphasizing the role of innovation in shaping the conflict’s trajectory. Fedorov, who was removed from his post in mid-July following a dispute with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s top general, Oleksandr Syrskyi, argued that Ukraine’s ability to outpace Russia in technological advancements could determine the war’s outcome. We need to defeat Russia in every technological cycle, and we have to make decisions 24/7,
he said, noting he was credited with turning the tide of the war in Ukraine’s favor, increasing Ukraine’s deep strikes into Russia tenfold and bolstering its domestic arsenal.
Ukraine’s Technological Strategy and Internal Struggles
Fedorov’s firing sparked protests from thousands of people across the country. Zelenskyy subsequently removed Syrskyi from his post. Fedorov, a former tech entrepreneur, declined to elaborate on the reasons for his dismissal but affirmed Ukraine’s resolve to continue fighting. Whatever the reason, it is important to understand that Ukraine will continue to fight,
he said. His comments reflect a broader narrative within Kyiv that the war is not just about territory but about outpacing Russia in military technology.
The Ukrainian military has increasingly relied on drones and precision strikes, including the recent use of domestically produced Flamingo missiles to target Russian facilities. Fedorov estimated that Ukraine’s own ballistic missiles could strike Russian territory within three to six months, though the country faces challenges in intercepting Russia’s own missile arsenal. It’s difficult to predict, but I think everything is possible because we don’t have any time to think about it,
he said, underscoring the urgency driving Ukraine’s technological push.
Ukraine’s Attacks on Russia’s Oil Infrastructure
Amid the technological rhetoric, Ukraine has also escalated attacks on Russia’s energy sector. On Saturday, Ukrainian naval drones struck two sanctioned oil tankers in the Black Sea, according to a Ukrainian security official. The vessels, the Kairos and Virat, were en route to Novorossiysk, a major Russian port, when they were hit by explosive-laden drones. The strikes, which caused fires and critical damage, targeted what Kyiv calls the “shadow fleet”—a network of unregulated ships circumventing Western sanctions to transport Russian oil.
The attacks disrupted operations at the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC), which handles over 1% of global oil, after a mooring at Russia’s Black Sea terminal was significantly damaged by a Ukrainian naval drone attack. Kazakhstan, a key CPC partner, called the attack unacceptable. Turkey, which has expressed concerns about the Black Sea’s stability, called for dialogue to prevent the conflict from spreading. Ankara is in contact with relevant parties to prevent the war from spreading in the Black Sea and to protect the country’s economic interests and operations in the region,
said Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oncu Keceli.
The Ukrainian official did not say when the Ukrainian strikes took place, but video footage shared by the security service showed drones approaching the tankers before detonating. The Kairos, a 274-meter-long vessel, caught fire on Friday while traveling from Egypt to Russia, with its crew evacuated. The Virat was reportedly struck some 35 nautical miles offshore, and was attacked again on Saturday by unmanned vessels, sustaining minor damage. Both ships are listed on sanctions databases for their role in Russia’s oil exports.
International Support and Domestic Challenges
The move reflects growing pressure on Kyiv to sustain its military efforts amid ongoing Russian offensives. However, Ukraine’s ability to maintain its technological edge remains uncertain. Fedorov, who has not ruled out a return to government, suggested his focus would remain on ending the war and rebuilding the country. Soon we will see,
he said, but in any case, all my work will be aimed at ending the war and rebuilding Ukraine.
The Broader Implications of a Technological War
Fedorov’s assertion of a technological war
underscores a shift in how Ukraine frames its struggle. While traditional warfare has focused on territorial gains and conventional weapons, the conflict now hinges on drones, cyber capabilities, and missile technology.
However, the technological race is not without risks. As Ukraine targets Russia’s oil infrastructure, the potential for escalation looms. The strikes on the Black Sea tankers have already strained relations with Turkey and raised concerns about the safety of commercial shipping in the region.
The path forward remains unclear. While Ukraine’s innovations have disrupted Russian supply lines and boosted morale, the war’s outcome will depend on a complex interplay of military, technological, and geopolitical factors. For now, the focus remains on who can outpace the other in the relentless cycle of technological warfare.
