Ukraine's Ousted Tech Minister Says Kyiv Is in a 'Technological War' With Russia

Mykhailo Fedorov, the former Ukrainian defense minister widely credited as the architect of the country's modern war-fighting strategy, told CBS News in an exclusive interview that Ukraine is in a "technological war" with Russia. "We need to defeat Russia in every technological cycle, and we have to make decisions 24/7, the 35-year-old Fedorov said, noting that while Ukraine is innovating quickly, Russia is doing the same. Before his ouster last month, Fedorov had helped design Ukraine's strategy to end the war by turning to drones and robots to beat back a larger adversary.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy fired Fedorov in mid-July, citing an irresolvable feud between Fedorov and Zelenskyy's top general, Oleksandr Syrskyi. The move sparked protests from thousands of people across the country. About a week later, Zelenskyy removed Syrskyi from his post.

Asked why he believes he was fired, Fedorov told CBS News, "I really don't want to talk to the American audience about why. He added: Whatever the reason, it is important to understand that Ukraine will continue to fight.