KIEV, Jan. 22 (Xinhua) -- The Ukrainian government has approved the dismissal of five deputy defense ministers, Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said Thursday on Telegram.

The reshuffle is part of the efforts to modernize the ministry, enhance Ukraine's defense capabilities in the air and on the ground, and strengthen "asymmetric and cyber strikes against the enemy and its economy," Fedorov said.

According to Fedorov, the cabinet removed Anatoly Klochko, Oleksandr Kozenko, Mykola Shevtsov, Volodymyr Zaverukha and Hanna Gvozdiar from their posts.

He said that new members will join the ministry in the coming weeks and be responsible for "important areas of activity."

Fedorov was appointed Ukraine's defense minister last week. ■