Thousands of Ukrainians have protested after President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
Protests broke out in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities after Zelensky removed Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Demonstrators carried signs supporting Fedorov and criticised the president’s decision. Many protesters described the move as a setback for Ukraine’s war effort.
Fedorov later revealed that he had advised Zelensky to replace Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi and Chief of the General Staff Andrii Hnatov. Zelensky confirmed there had been long-running disagreements between the Defence Ministry and the military leadership.
Fedorov rejects adviser role
Fedorov said Zelensky offered him a position as a presidential adviser, but he declined. He insisted he acted according to his conscience and believed the president would eventually resolve the crisis.
Fedorov became defence minister in January. He gained praise for anti-corruption reforms, expanding Ukraine’s drone programme and improving military technology. Several soldiers and military figures have criticised his dismissal, calling it a mistake during wartime.
Parliament is expected to consider a replacement for the defence ministry in the coming days, although no official nomination has been confirmed.
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