In a statement sent to reporters on Thursday, Fedorov said his team had a “specific plan to end the war” when he was appointed defense minister in January.

The key elements are protection of the sky, stabilization of the front and also attacks on the Russian economy, he said.

“For six months we have consistently implemented this same plan. For the first time in recent years, Ukraine has begun to take the initiative. [on the battlefield].

“Our collective results have created something unprecedented: a window of opportunity to force Russia to achieve peace through force. And we cannot afford to miss it.”

He stressed that he had never sought any “position or status,” but only to have the “opportunity to really influence the outcome and bring Ukraine’s victory closer.”

Fedorov has already been replaced by Yevhenii Khmara, a former senior official in the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).

Zelensky, who met with Fedorov earlier this week, revealed that he had offered him the position of deputy prime minister for military innovation.

“This is a very important role,” the president said Thursday, “because innovation must be coordinated with the leadership of the Ministry of Defense, the commander in chief … and the president.”

But Fedorov refused. It is unclear whether his statement means that negotiations over his future have come to an end.

Presidential adviser Dmytro Lytvyn said discussions are continuing “and it would be inappropriate to reveal details at this time.”