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

The key elements were the protection of the skies, stabilisation of the front, and also strikes against Russia’s economy, he said.

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

“Our collective results have created something unprecedented – a window of opportunity to force Russia into peace through strength. And we cannot afford to lose it.”

He stressed that he had never been seeking any “post or status”, but only wanted to have the “opportunity to really influence the result and bring Ukraine’s victory closer”.

Fedorov has already been replaced by Yevhenii Khmara, a former top official at Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU).

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

“This is a very important role,” the president said on Thursday, “because innovation must be co-ordinated with the leadership of the defence ministry, the commander-in-chief… and the president.”

But Fedorov refused. It’s not clear if his statement means that negotiations over his future are at an end.

Presidential adviser Dmytro Lytvyn said discussions were continuing “and it would be inappropriate to disclose details at this stage”.