Former Ukrainian defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov is to advise Italy on matters relating to military innovation.
Following a meeting in Rome, Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto announced on Friday that Fedorov - who has emerged as a major rival to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky - has accepted his offer to support him as an adviser on defence innovation.
Crosetto said that Fedorov has extensive experience in the field and that the pair discussed drones, unmanned systems and air defence. In light of rapid technological change, Italy's defence must become faster and more adaptable, he added.
Fedorov expressed his thanks for the offer in a post on X. He said he wants to support Italy in "adopting modern technologies of warfare, strengthening its defence sector and adapting to new global security challenges."
Ukraine possesses unique experience and wants to share this with its allies, he emphasized.
However, despite the advisory role for Italy, Fedorov made it clear: "At the same time, my main focus remains unchanged: I am continuing my work in Ukraine on key projects that strengthen our defence and help to attract international resources."
Fedorov is the fourth defence minister in Ukraine to be sacked since the start of the war. The 35-year-old had been in office for just six months before being dismissed in July.
He is regarded as a potential rival to Zelensky and has called for the country to hold presidential elections despite the ongoing conflict.