Ukraine protests defence minister Fedorov after Zelensky ouster
Ukraine protests defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov's surprise removal swept Kyiv, Lviv and other cities on Thursday after President Volodymyr Zelensky sacked the popular reformer. Crowds chanted "Shame!" as tensions with army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi spilled into the open during a wartime cabinet reshuffle.
Key Takeaways
- Protests hit several Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv and Lviv, after Zelensky removed Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
- Fedorov, 35 and in post since January, was credited with tech reforms, drone warfare and an anti-corruption drive.
- He clashed with Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi; Zelensky called the conflict "systemic."
- Air Force deputy commander Pavlo Yelizarov resigned, calling the sacking "a great evil" for defence capability.
- The outcry overshadowed UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's farewell visit to Kyiv.
Why are Ukraine protests over the defence minister happening now?
According to the BBC, mostly young demonstrators gathered in central Kyiv on Thursday morning with signs reading "Hands off Fedorov" and "Stop sabotaging victory!" Similar rallies were reported in Lviv and other cities.
Maria Lavrynets, 31, told the BBC at Ivan Franko Square that friends in the military had died and that Fedorov's results motivated soldiers. A soldier named Oleksandr called the move "the worst mistake Zelensky has made during his entire presidency."
The Guardian reported thousands still protesting in Kyiv and elsewhere later Thursday, with more than 1,000 people turning out as Starmer arrived for his final foreign trip as UK prime minister.
What did Zelensky and Fedorov say about the sacking?
Speaking with Starmer, Zelensky said conflict between the General Staff and the defence ministry had been "systemic" and that Syrskyi and Fedorov would only work together with his mediation.
Fedorov said he had suggested replacing Syrskyi and Chief of the General Staff Andrii Hnatov. When Zelensky declined, Fedorov said he tried to cooperate but claimed "all the initiatives we proposed were blocked." He accused Syrskyi of splitting the country instead of defeating Russia "asymmetrically."
Syrskyi wrote on Telegram that he was "proud" of Kyiv's 2022 defence and would "focus on the war and on an effective strategy," wishing Fedorov "continued success." Zelensky offered Fedorov an adviser role; Fedorov refused. Asked about the protests, Zelensky said he hears society and reacts to what it is saying.
Who might replace Fedorov, and why does it matter?
MPs had been expected to weigh Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko, though Zelensky said that was only one name under discussion and no official proposal had been submitted yet. Parliament did approve energy executive Serhiy Koretsky as prime minister after Yuliia Svyrydenko resigned.
Fedorov, a former digital transformation minister, helped build Ukraine's volunteer "IT Army," the Army of Drones drive and high-tech procurement. Yelizarov, a renowned drone commander, quit as Air Force deputy commander in protest.
For readers tracking Celebrity Breaking News and global political shocks, the episode shows how wartime leadership fights can spill into the streets—even as Starmer pledges enduring UK support and receives Ukraine's Order of Freedom.