Ukraine's ousted defense minister rejects Zelenskyy's offer of a different government role

Ukraine’s fired defense minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, has rejected President Zelenskyy's offer to rejoin the government in a different roleByHANNA ARHIROVA Associated PressKYIV, Ukraine -- Ukraine’s fired defense minister said Thursday he has rejected President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s efforts to persuade him to rejoin the government in a different role where he could continue fighting Russia’s more than 4-year-old invasion.Mykhailo Fedorov, who was dismissed last week after just six months in the job, is a youthful and popular public figure due to his success in modernizing the armed forces and giving Ukraine an edge in the war through innovative use of technology. He has also cracked down on corruption in military procurement.His departure triggered street protests across Ukraine that have put pressure on Zelenskyy and cheered Moscow officials.Fedorov said in a statement that leading the Defense Ministry was one of only three jobs that “actually shape the course of the war,” along with the presidency and chief of the armed forces.He said that he would “not accept any position other than" defense minister, in what amounted to a defiant stance against Zelenskyy.The Ukrainian president s...