Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov will travel to the United States to raise funds for new defense technology projects as he seeks new ventures after being removed from his post, Reuters reported, citing a source close to the former minister, BTA reports.
Fedorov's dismissal from the Defense Ministry in July led to weeks of protests in Kiev and other Ukrainian cities calling for his reinstatement, but those demonstrations have now subsided.
On Tuesday, in a sign of a rift in relations with President Volodymyr Zelensky, Fedorov became the first leading Ukrainian politician to call for wartime elections, although such a vote is not allowed under the constitution.
The source denied earlier media reports that Fedorov was traveling to the United States to seek political support for his call for elections, and said the former minister would not meet with American politicians or officials.
"Fedorov plans to launch a number of projects related to the war and Ukrainian startups," the source said, without giving specific deadlines.
One of the projects will be an investment fund, the source said.
A proponent of new military technologies and a pioneer in drone warfare methods since the start of the Russian invasion in 2022, Fedorov has maintained close relations with American companies such as "SpaceX" and "Palantir" (Palantir).
His personal appeal to SpaceX founder Elon Musk led to the activation of the Starlink satellite internet service over Ukraine at the start of the war. Tens of thousands of the company's satellite internet terminals are currently on the Ukrainian battlefield and are essential for communication and drone guidance.
The source said Fedorov continues to discuss Starlink issues with Musk, but has not yet planned a meeting between the two.