By Zainab Bakare
Protests have broken out across several Ukrainian cities after President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, a move that has sparked widespread criticism from soldiers, commentators and civil society groups.
Demonstrators, many of them young, gathered in Kyiv carrying placards reading “Hands off Fedorov” and “Stop sabotaging victory!” while chanting “Shame!” in protest against the decision.
Zelensky has not publicly explained why he removed the 35-year-old minister, who was appointed in January and earned praise for driving anti-corruption reforms, modernising the defence ministry and expanding the use of technology and drones in Ukraine’s war effort.
Speaking at a press conference, Fedorov suggested his dismissal followed disagreements with Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. He revealed that he had urged President Zelensky to replace Syrskyi and Chief of the General Staff Andrii Hnatov but the president declined.
Fedorov said many of his proposed military reforms were blocked and confirmed he rejected an offer from Zelensky to remain in government as an adviser. Despite the dispute, he expressed confidence that the president would ultimately resolve the situation.
Ukraine’s parliament was expected to vote on Thursday on Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko as Fedorov’s replacement.
The leadership reshuffle also saw lawmakers approve Serhiy Koretsky, the former head of the state oil and gas company, as the country’s new prime minister.
Fedorov is widely credited with transforming Ukraine’s defence strategy through expanded drone warfare, cyber operations and technology-driven battlefield management.
His removal has raised fresh concerns over divisions within Ukraine’s military leadership as the country continues its war against Russia.
