Thousands gathered in Kyiv, calling for President Zelenskiy to reinstate Defence Minister Fedorov
Thousands gathered in Kyiv, calling on President Zelenskiy to reinstate the dismissed Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov due to concerns regarding military reform.
Several thousand Ukrainians marched through central Kyiv on Friday, indicating to President Volodymyr Zelenskiy that resistance to his decision to dismiss Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov is still robust.
Fedorov, who assumed leadership of the wartime defense ministry in January and is recognized for spearheading military innovation during Ukraine’s conflict with Russia, was unexpectedly dismissed in a government reshuffle in mid-July.
Since that time, protesters have assembled near the presidential office, demanding the reinstatement of Fedorov after he declined to accept another government position.
“I find it frustrating when decisions are made without any explanation,” Oleksandr, a 40-year-old IT worker, stated.
Zelenskiy initially stated that he dismissed Fedorov due to a significant conflict with the then commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, who was subsequently removed a week later amid public pressure.
Later speculation emerged that Fedorov was ousted due to his attempts to address alleged corruption within the defense sector. Fedorov seemed to endorse those claims in a recent interview, yet he provided no specifics.
Protesters marched through the historic center of Kyiv before gathering on Khreshchatyk, the city’s main street, to voice their demands.
Many questioned if Ukraine could sustain its military modernization in the absence of Fedorov, whose reforms aligned with heightened strikes on Russian military and energy targets, as well as reported advancements on the frontline.
Zelenskiy has displayed no indication of reconsidering his choice. He appointed Yevhenii Khmara, the acting head of the state security service, as the acting minister of defense. According to Ukrainian law, the position of defense minister is required to be held by a civilian.
Matteo Mecacci, director of the European Policy Institute in Kyiv, stated that the appointment of Mykhailo Drapatyi as the new military commander might restore confidence for certain Ukrainians, though not for everyone.
The solution for Zelenskiy likely extends beyond a mere personnel change, and Fedorov’s reappointment now seems improbable. The emphasis should consequently be on efficient crisis management,” he stated.
Protest organizer and military veteran Dmytro Koziatynskyi stated that Zelenskiy ought to grant Fedorov an additional year to pursue defense reforms before evaluating his performance.
Protesters pledged to persist in their demonstrations as the crowd echoed: “The people are the power.”
Civilian control of government is “an essential democratic principle,” Mecacci stated.
“These demonstrations illustrate that Ukrainians view these issues not merely as internal disagreements among officials, but as factors that directly influence the effectiveness of the war effort and the public’s trust in the nation’s institutions,” he added.
Iryna, a 38-year-old businesswoman, stated that the demonstrations would persist until the government provided a response.
“We are not hurrying.” We are here to remain. “We have no choice,” she stated.
